Holliday Grainger lands lead in Cormoran Strike TV series

LONDON, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- Holliday Grainger is to play Robin Ellacott opposite Tom Burke's detective Cormoran Strike in a new, seven-part television series.

Based on three of J.K. Rowling's crime novels -- which she wrote under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith --- the show is to go into production in London this month. It will air on the BBC in the United Kingdom and on HBO in the United States.

"I'm thrilled to be joining the talented creative team behind The Strike Series, especially with the role of Robin Ellacott. Her grounded strength and intelligence is going to be a joy to explore. I can't wait to dive straight into the wit and grit of Strike's cannily well-observed London," Grainger said in a statement Wednesday.

"I couldn't be more delighted about the casting of Holliday Grainger, who brought my Robin to perfect on-screen life during her audition. We've now secured two superb actors in the lead roles and I think they will create something very special together," Rowling added.

Grainger is best known for her roles in The Borgias, Bonnie & Clyde and Lady Chatterley's Lover.

Rowling is also the author of the blockbuster Harry Potter fantasy books.