BESTSELLING crime author Peter James has announced that his popular fictional Brighton detective Roy Grace will be on TV screens next year.

He was speaking at the official launch of his latest Roy Grace book Dead At First Sight, the 15th in the series, at the Palm Court restaurant on Brighton Palace Pier.

Guests at the event included fellow crime writer Martina Cole, Brighton and Hove Mayor Dee Simson and Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne.

Mr James told the hundreds of guests he is “very excited” about the development.

He said: “I can’t say too much about it but it’s being written by one of the best crime writers in the TV industry and it’s being produced by an old mate of mine.”

Mr James said he was unable even to reveal the name of the TV company.

Dead At First Sight was released on Thursday and Mr James spent it doing book signings for adoring fans.

He started on Wednesday at the Palace Pier, before signings at Sainsbury’s in Hove and WHSmith in Churchill Square.

There were lengthy queues at all his appearances, which included Sainsbury’s in Hove, WH Smith in Churchill Square, Brighton, and in WH Smith in Worthing.

One Friday he greeted fans in Eastbourne before more signings in Brighton and Hove.

Mr James, who was raised in Sussex, often makes references to Brighton – and The Argus – in his books.

The 70-year-old crime writer lives near Henfield.

He has 13 Sunday Times number ones under his belt, has achieved global book sales of more than 19 million copies to date and has been translated into 37 languages.