Dirk makes it to the small screen

Douglas Adams’s ‘holistic detective’ Dirk Gently is to make his first appearance on TV.

BBC Four is to pilot a series based on the character, with a one-off initial episode to air in its autumn/winter series.

The Hitchhikers’ Guide To The Galaxy author’s books are being adapted for the screen by Howard Overman, who previously scripted the superhero comedy-drama Misfits, with ITV Studios.

Gently has previously featured in two Radio 4 series in 2007 and 2008.

Chortle first broke the news that the BBC Four show was in the works in November last year.

Also confirmed in BBC Four’s new schedules are a new series of Jo Brand sitcom Getting On; Rich Hall on Road movies; a screening of the documentary film American: The Bill Hicks Story, League Of Gentlemen star Mark Gatiss appearing in an adaptation of HG Wells adventure The First Men On The Moon; and Billy Connolly paying tribute to Scottish poet Norman MacCaig.

Published: 25 Aug 2010