'Prime Suspect' prequel 'Tennison' is in the works at ITV

ITV says it has ordered six, hourlong episodes of Tennison, a 1970s-set prequel to its popular police drama Prime Suspect, which starred Helen Mirren.

To be written by Lynda La Plante, and co-produced by Noho Film and Television and La Plante Global, the series introduces 22-year-old Jane Tennison as she begins her career and reveals why she became such a complex and formidable character in the Metropolitan Police.

No casting has been announced yet for the re-boot, which will be broadcast in 2016 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the premiere of Prime Suspect on ITV in 1991. The original show ran for seven seasons and wrapped in 2006.

"I have very much enjoyed writing the young Jane, creating her family background and the start of her career in the police force. I do hope my readers will enjoy meeting her in September and viewers in 2016," La Plante said in a statement, referring to the novel Tennison, which will also soon be published.

"I'm delighted Lynda has re-visited the iconic character of Jane Tennison," added ITV Director of Drama Steve November. "The scripts are brilliantly written and she perfectly captures the sights, sounds and mood of the '70s period."

Prime Suspect was adapted for American television in 2011, but it was canceled after one season. Maria Bello played the lead in the U.S. edition.