An X-factor star will feature in a new crime thriller TV series based on the novel of a Stevenage author.

Singer and actor Alexandra Burke features alongside Sarah Parish in CURFEW – a six part TV series on Paramount+ airing Thursday, October 10.

The show is based on 'After Dark' by author Jayne Cowie, 47, who has lived in Stevenage for over 20 years with her husband and two teenage children.

According to Jayne, the story takes place in an alternative reality where all men are bound by a strict 7pm to 7am curfew, with their movements tracked by an ankle tag 24/7.

CURFEW features a star-studded cast including Alexandra Burke in her first acting role.CURFEW features a star-studded cast including Alexandra Burke in her first acting role. (Image: Jayne Cowie) When a woman is brutally murdered at night, police officer Pamela suspects that a man is behind it, but the curfew makes that impossible.

Jayne described her experience completing the filming process as an executive producer and seeing her work "brilliantly adapted" on screen for the first time.

"It was my first time adapting a novel on screen and everyone was lovely, all the actors and behind the scenes people were nice and professional," she said.

The novel has scored rave reviews on Amazon at 4.1/5 stars, with customers calling it “brilliantly written” and “relatable” for female readers.

After Dark is a crime thriller that was published in March 2022.After Dark is a crime thriller that was published in March 2022. (Image: Jayne Cowie) When creating the story, the writer was inspired by the murder of Joy Morgan who's body was discovered in Stevenage in 2019.

She added: "I have had the misfortune of coming from a family of men with a history of domestic violence so I always wanted to write a story like this.

"I remember seeing Joy Morgan's posters all around the Stevenage town centre not far from my house, I knew it was time to start writing then."

The author believes that although the town is made up, there will be bits that she "hopes Stevenage locals will recognise", while aiming to "raise awareness" for contemporary gender issues.

Alongside Sarah Parish and Alexandra Burke the cast features Mandip Hill, Larry Lamb, Anita Dobson and Bobby Brazier.

Speaking to OK! Magazine, Alexandra Burke said that playing the role was “a massive dream” and a "first" in her acting career.