Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the wee donkey! Line of Duty actor Adrian Dunbar is back with a new detective drama and here's everything we know.

The Northern Irish actor, 64, has delighted fans with news that he is returning to his detective roots after they fell in love with him as the BBC show's Superintendent Ted Hastings.

He was on Saturday Kitchen over the weekend and name checked Bolton and Bury, where the series has been filmed.

Line of Duty fan spots Adrian Dunbar filming in Bolton

Dunbar is fronting ITV's new crime drama as the show's title character retired Detective Inspector Ridley.

Here's everything we know about the series so far from the release date to who will be starring alongside him.

What is Adrian Dunbar's new series release date?

Fans have been eagerly waiting for the start of Adrian Dunbar's new series and it looks like they won't have much longer to wait.

Although commissioned in June last year, there was very little news about a release date...until now.

ITV's Ridley will premiere on Sunday, August 28, at 8pm on ITV.

How long will ITV's Ridley be?

The new crime drama is said to be four episodes long which makes it perfect for bingeing as you stay cosy on the sofa this Autumn.

Each episode is also reportedly two hours long.

What is Adrian Dunbar's new ITV crime series about?

The new policing production will see Dunbar play retired Detective Inspector Alex Ridley, who is brought back into the fold as a consultant by his former mentee, Acting DI Carol Farman.

ITV has given fans a snippet of what's to come, writing in this teaser: "Turning to her old mentor for support, Carol is keen to access Ridley’s unique insight into crime-solving which has served them so well in the past.

"With more intriguing cases to solve, Ridley will revive his formidable and successful partnership with Carol."

The Bolton News: Adrian Dunbar. Picture Mark HaineyAdrian Dunbar. Picture Mark Hainey

Adrian Dunbar new series: ITV Ridley Cast

Dunbar, who is also known for the thriller Blood, plays the title role, alongside Unforgotten's Bronagh Waugh as DI Carol Farman.

Rounding out the main cast are Time's Terence Maynard as DCI Paul Goodwin, The A Word's George Bukhari (DC Darren Lakhan) and The Crown's Georgie Glen (Dr Wendy Newstone).

Viewers weill also get to see Bhavna Limbachia (Citizen Khan), Aidan McArdle (The Trial of Christine Keeler) and Julie Graham (Shetland) who are also all part of the regular cast.

Is there an ITV Ridley trailer?

Unfortunately, fans don't have a trailer to whet their appetite for the new series quite yet.