Notwithstanding the fact that the BBC has pulled its Agatha Christie adaptation it had planned this Christmas due to accusations made against actor Ed Westwick, Christie’s books are nonetheless in vogue. The BBC has a multi-year deal to adapt more of her work, Kenneth Branagh has hit big with his cinema take on Murder On The Orient Express. And now Channel Five is getting in on the act.

It’s premiering an adaptation of Crooked House next month, that’s headlined by Gillian Anderson and Glenn Close. Downton Abbey’s Julian Fellowes has penned the script.

What’s more, Crooked House is destined for a cinema release too, albeit not before Channel Five has got its paws on it. Crooked House will premiere on the channel first, before it gets its big screen outing. Unusual, but that’s what’s happening.

We don’t have a firm transmission date yet, but expect it next month…

Digital Spy