BBC’s ‘Virdee’ brings British Asian Detective Story to Bradford

New crime thriller ‘Virdee’ will bring a unique British Asian detective story to Bradford. Find out when it arrives on BBC One.

BBC's 'Virdee' brings British Asian Detective Story to Bradford f

the upcoming series captures the city’s rich multicultural landscape.

BBC’s new crime thriller Virdee is set to bring a gripping blend of detective drama and cultural depth to television screens.

Premiering on BBC One and iPlayer on February 10, 2025, the six-part series will explore crime, identity, and family conflict against the backdrop of Bradford’s streets.

Based on AA Dhand‘s bestselling crime novel series, Virdee follows Detective Harry Virdee, played by Game of Thrones star Staz Nair.

The dedicated officer is torn between his duty to uphold the law and his personal struggles.

Estranged from his Sikh family after marrying Saima, a Muslim woman played by Aysha Kala, he is forced to confront his past when a violent turf war erupts in Bradford.

BBC's 'Virdee' brings British Asian Detective Story to Bradford

As gang tensions escalate following the murder of a young dealer, Harry’s duty to uphold the law clashes with his links to members of the crime gangs.

He must hunt down the killer who is targeting Bradford’s Asian community.

Filmed entirely in Bradford, the upcoming series captures the city’s rich multicultural landscape.

Locations such as City Hall, Little Germany, Harold Park, and Peel Park Terrace provide an authentic setting, reflecting the reality of modern British urban life.

The show’s release coincides with Bradford’s City of Culture 2025 celebrations, positioning Virdee as a significant addition to the city’s artistic legacy.

The show’s cultural significance extends beyond its setting.

Virdee delves into themes of family, faith, and belonging, offering a rare and powerful portrayal of British Asian identity within mainstream crime drama.

AA Dhand, himself a Bradford native, draws on his own experiences to shape a protagonist whose conflicts feel as real as the city he serves.

Adding to the show’s cinematic quality is its soundtrack, composed by the legendary Hans Zimmer and James Everingham.

Hans Zimmer, known for his work on Inception and Interstellar, has previously spoken about his deep, if unusual, connection to Bradford.

He revealed: “I have this person I write my music for.

“She’s fictitious, she’s called Doris and she lives in Bradford.

“She wears a grey coat and is of an uncertain age. She’s got two boys, her hair dye isn’t very good and she works really hard throughout the week.

“Come the weekend she has a choice: going to the pub for a drink or coming and seeing one of our movies.”

“She’s a hero to me because she works hard and so when she comes and sees one of our movies I want to make sure she gets her money’s worth.”

BBC's 'Virdee' brings British Asian Detective Story to Bradford 2

Also starring in Virdee are the likes of Goodness Gracious Me‘s Kulvinder Ghir, Vikash Bhai (Crossfire) and Sudha Bhuchar, who starred in Expats.

Ahead of its release, a special premiere will take place at St George’s Hall in Bradford on February 6, celebrating both the series and the city that inspired it.

With its compelling storyline, layered characters, and a focus on British Asian representation, Virdee is set to make a lasting impact, offering audiences a fresh and culturally rich take on the crime thriller genre.

Virdee premieres on February 10 on BBC One at 9 pm, with episodes being released weekly.

Watch the Virdee Trailer

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Lead Editor Dhiren is our news and content editor who loves all things football. He also has a passion for gaming and watching films. His motto is to "Live life one day at a time".

Images courtesy of BBC





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