Murderland is, of course, not the first ITV drama series to have included work at Elstree Studios. The Avengers, The Saint and Reilly - Ace of Spies are just three of the many iconic ITV dramas to have had their roots at the legendary Borehamwood-based studios.

Written by acclaimed writer David Pirie (Murder Rooms, Woman in White), and produced by Touchpaper Scotland (part of the RDF Media Group), I am informed that Murderland is set to be "an emotional and passionate thriller that tells a traumatic murder story through the eyes of three central characters."

Murderland will comprise of three one-hour episodes and has been commissioned by the current Director of ITV Commissioning, Laura Mackie.

Personally I am very excited to hear that Robbie Coltrane will play role of Gordon Hain in this short thriller series. Coltrane has long been a favourite actor of mine. I only hope that the series being based at Elstree will result in Robbie filming scenes at the studios.

Robbie Coltrane was born Anthony Robert McMillan in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire. His earliest TV work included: A Kick Up the Eighties, appearances in The Comic Strip Presents... series and in Laugh? I Nearly Paid My Licence Fee.

More-recently Robbie has become best-known on TV for appearing in the gritty drama series, Cracker.

Coltrane's film work has always appealed to me. I will never forget his memorable appearance with Eric Idle in the 1990 film, Nuns on the Run.

Robbie's recent film work, however, has introduced him to a new generation of fans appearing as Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter films.

Murderland is being produced by Kate Croft and Dave Edwards for Touchpaper, Scotland, and will be filmed on location in London during June 2009.

For me, Murderland proves that Elstree Studios is still more than capable of being able to attract the biggest and most exciting productions to the site – and long may that continue!