ITV has commissioned an adaptation of Death At The White Hart, the debut novel from former Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall.

The book - due for release on March 27 - is set in the Dorset village of Fleetcombe and follows detective Nicola Bridge, who must investigate when the village pub's landlord is found murdered.

Chibnall, who will also write the TV adaptation, has previously created Broadchurch, which ran for three seasons on ITV.

Polly Hill, ITV's head of drama, said: "I am very excited to be working with Chris and Red Planet Pictures again and that ITV will be home to his wonderful debut novel, Death At The White Hart.

"I think it's a perfect partnership, and I know the adaptation with Chris at the helm will make an unmissable drama. It's all the more special for us that Chris returns to Dorset once again with this very British murder and wonderful new investigation team."

Chibnall added: "Polly's dynamic vote of confidence in Death At The White Hart made it a no-brainer to bring the novel to the screen with ITV. Within this cliffhanger-packed murder mystery sits a specifically British story about how people live their lives right now. There's no better home for it than ITV."

The show is due to enter production next year.