ITV has a new Birmingham-based crime drama DI Ray written by Line of Duty actress and screenwriter Maya Sondhi. Parminder Nagra leads the cast in the title role.
Nagra is known for starring in the comedy hit Bend It Like Beckham alongside Keira Knightley. Nagra shared how she feels about the upcoming drama:
“I am so looking forward to getting back to the UK after such a challenging time globally to be part of this exciting new project." she said. Parminder is joined by Killing Eve’s Gemma Whelan, Law and Order UK’s Jamie Bamber and Ted Lasso’s Maanuv Thiara. Now that you know the cast, here’s everything else you need to know.
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When is the DI Ray release date on ITV?
The first episode of DI Ray airs today (May 2, 2022) at 9pm on ITV. The remaining three episodes will air on consecutive nights thereafter.
What is the series about?
The official synopsis is as follows: “Rachita (Nagra) achieves the promotion she’s been waiting for when she’s asked to join a homicide investigation. However, on her first day, she’s told the murder to which she’s been assigned is a ‘Culturally Specific Homicide.’ Rachita’s heart sinks – she suspects she’s a ‘token appointment’, chosen for her ethnicity rather than her ability.
"Never one to shy away from a challenge, Rachita sticks to the case, determined to both find the killer and call out the obvious biases her colleagues are bringing to the investigation. And it’s far from easy. The case isn’t a run-of-the-mill murder; it involves delving deep into the dangerous world of organised crime."
Speaking about the concept, screenwriter Sondhi said: "This is a project which is deeply personal for me as a British Asian Brummie woman. It’s only in the past 10 years or so I’ve really been able to truly embrace my heritage. So much of this show is my story and in telling it honestly, I hope others from all different backgrounds will relate."
