Two series on Sophie set for TV

THE massive success of a podcast about the murder of French TV producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier has prompted two rival documentary makers to make television series about the unsolved case.

Both series are expected to be released later this year, with insiders predicting the five-part documentary made by six-time Oscar nominee Jim Sheridan could be screened as on Sky as soon as June.

A second documentary has also been made by US streaming giant Netflix.

The release of both documentaries is sure to renew interest in the intriguing unsolved murder, not only in Ireland but also internationally. The 13-episode West Cork podcast, made by Amazonowned Audible, was one of the most successful true crime podcasts ever aired.

The makers of the podcast spent three years compiling the 13-episode series and they travelled to west Cork several times to speak with prime suspect Ian Bailey, locals, as well as investigating gardaí.

Programme makers Sam Bungey and Jennifer Forde also spoke with the French family of the 39-year-old slain mother-ofone and the first episode was released in February 2018.

West Cork was formerly exclusive on subscription service Audible but is now available as a free podcast.

Meanwhile, Sheridan’s fivepart documentary series, called Murder At The Cottage: The Search For Justice For Sophie, for Sky Studios, was scheduled to be released in the autumn but insiders predict it might be broadcast in two months.

Mr Bailey has co-operated with this film, saying he respects the director as a person ‘of fairness and integrity’.

Despite being approached by the makers of the three-part Netflix series, the English-born journalist decided not to cooperate with the American streaming service.

Its documentary series is due to be aired later this year and will feature scenes re-enacted by an actor playing Mr Bailey.