Emer Kenny Juggles New Motherhood and TV Success in ‘Karen Pirie’

Emer Kenny, the star and creator of the gripping ITV series Karen Pirie, is embracing the challenges of new motherhood while managing her multifaceted role in the show. As the season two premiere approaches, Kenny reflects on her exciting yet hectic journey balancing her responsibilities as a writer, executive producer, and actress.

Filming for the new season coincided with significant changes in Kenny’s personal life. “My baby was 12 weeks old when I started writing the season and he was 18 months old when we were shooting,” she shared. During the production, Kenny relocated to Glasgow with her son, who accompanied her for three months. With her husband, Rick Edwards, working abroad, she relied heavily on her mother for support, stating, “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my mum.”

The second season promises to deliver intense drama and shocking revelations, mirroring the behind-the-scenes challenges faced by the cast and crew. The storyline is based on Val McDermid‘s novel A Darker Domain, which explores the decades-old case of the 1984 disappearance of heiress Catriona Grant and her toddler son, Adam.

Kenny teased, “Catriona is kidnapped at gunpoint, and then a ransom note arrives at her family home. She is never seen again.” The mystery deepens when a body is discovered in a remote quarry, although it is not Catriona’s. “It’s a man,” she revealed, “but her car key is in his pocket.”

As the plot unfolds, viewers will also witness intricate romantic subplots, including Catriona’s secret affair with Mick, played by Mark Rowley. “When I got their auditions in, I knew it would work,” Kenny noted, emphasizing the importance of capturing the authenticity of their love story.

Detective Karen Pirie, portrayed by Lauren Lyle, also faces her own romantic challenges this season. The character is drawn into a discreet relationship with DS Phil Parhatka, played by Zach Wyatt. Lyle explained that Karen grapples with the belief that she can only have a successful career or a fulfilling personal life. “Her career gives her a sense of worth, but it can damage her love life,” she stated.

The show’s success is attributed to its compelling characters and storylines, which resonate with audiences. Kenny expressed her apprehension about matching the energy of the first season, acknowledging, “It was a bit daunting. Coming back, you really hope you can match the energy and bring another good story.”

The filming process took the cast from the streets of Glasgow to the sun-soaked landscapes of Malta, where they faced the challenges of extreme heat during production. “We had tons of running scenes through the streets of Malta in 40-degree heat,” Kenny recounted, adding that the cast embraced the adventure.

With eight novels available for adaptation, there is potential for future seasons of Karen Pirie. “ITV are really supportive,” said Kenny, “It just depends on whether the audience wants more.” For now, the compelling character of Karen Pirie continues to captivate viewers, proving she is as resilient as ever.