Rebus reborn

Richard Rankin takes over the role of the world-weary Scottish sleuth in a gritty new series

NEW CRIME DRAMA

Rebus

Saturday, 9.25pm, BBC1 (box set, BBC iPlayer)

Ever since 1987, when Sir Ian Rankin's first Rebus novel Knots & Crosses was published, crimefiction fans have been captivated by no-nonsense, cynical Edinburgh detective John Rebus and his maverick approach to solving cases.

Now, in new six-part thriller Rebus, which arrives on BBC1 this week following its debut on BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer on Friday 17 May, Richard Rankin (no relation) stars as a fresh incarnation of the determined cop, previously played by John Hannah and Ken Stott. And, unlike the most recent books, in which Rebus is retired, the new drama, set in the present day, reimagines the character as a troubled detective sergeant in his 40s.

"We're moving the landscape of Rebus and shifting the world,' says Richard Rankin, 41, best known for Outlander and Trust Me.