The Life of a Scilly Sergeant optioned for TV

Studio Lambert has optioned TV rights to Scilly Police Sergeant Colin Taylor’s memoir after a “hard-fought” auction between six publishers.

The Life of a Scilly Sergeant documents life on the isolated Isles of Scilly, an archipelago 28 miles off the tip of Cornwall, from the perspective of Police Sergeant Taylor. Whether he’s trying to solve the mystery of the kidnapped goldfish, chasing drunken revellers in fancy-dress, or appealing for the return of the island’s stock of traffic cones in preparation for a Royal visit, Sergeant Taylor’s accounts of island life are “hugely entertaining” and provide a “vivid” portrait of a small community, and a "very different way of life".

Taylor will act as a consultant and executive producer during development of the project as a prime-time, returnable series. Rights were acquired from Jonathan Sissons at Peters Fraser and Dunlop.

Part of All 3 Media, Studio Lambert is known for making popular entertainment shows including "Gogglebox" and "Undercover Boss". Its recently-established drama arm and its first commission for the BBC, "Three Girls" is already in production.

Susan Hogg, head of drama at Studio Lambert, said: “We are beyond thrilled to be dramatising this wonderful book. Working with Colin is a delight. His witty observations on life on Scilly are eccentric, engaging and above all hugely entertaining. Colin's unique take on the world is incredibly funny and The Life of A Scilly Sergeant will translate into terrific drama."

Taylor said: “To know that such a prestigious production company is so keen to dramatise my book and life through the eyes of Scilly Sergeant is incredibly exciting. I'm over the moon."

The Life of a Scilly Sergeant was published by Century on 16th June 2016.