The Thursday Murder Club has been released in cinemas this week with the film also soon-to-be dropped on Netflix.

The Thursday Murder Club brings author Richard Osman’s bestselling novel to the big screen, featuring his own spouse in the mystery-comedy production.

Located in the retirement community of Coopers Chase, four pensioners dedicate their time to examining unsolved murder cases, but when a property developer turns up dead, the genuine investigation commences.

Adapted from former Pointless presenter Richard Osman’s popular novel sharing the same title, The Thursday Murder Club has arrived in cinemas this week and will launch on Netflix on Thursday, August 28.

Enthusiasts have been particularly thrilled to witness the adaptation due to its stellar ensemble headed by Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley and Celia Imrie.

The supporting lineup proves equally remarkable, featuring talents such as Doctor Who’s David Tennant, Lucifer star Tom Ellis, Line of Duty’s Daniel Mays and The Crown performer Jonathan Pryce.

Thursday Murder Club viewers only just realising Richard Osman’s wife is in film (Image: GETTY)

Richard Osman first met his wife actress and comedian Ingrid Oliver on his BBC series House of Games in 2020. (Image: BBC)

However, one person viewers weren’t anticipating to spot was Thursday Murder Club writer Osman’s spouse Ingrid Oliver.

The 48 year old performer and comic, who has featured in Doctor Who, Sweet Pea and Anne Hathaway’s The Hustle, portrays Joanna Meadowcroft, the “very clever” daughter of former nurse and fresh retiree Joyce Meadowcroft (Celia Imrie).

On his podcast The Rest is Entertainment, Osman revealed that he hadn’t intended for Oliver to appear in the production, explaining that it was “not my idea, I have to say, but [writer and director] Chris Columbus’ idea.”

Oliver and Osman initially crossed paths whilst filming his BBC game show House of Games back in 2020, with fellow contestant Matthew Pinsent suggesting they head out for drinks following the recording.

Actress Ingrid Oliver portrays Joanna Meadowcroft, the daughter of Celia Imrie’s Joyce Meadowcroft in The Thursday Murder Club. (Image: NETFLIX)

This sparked their first date and marked the beginning of their romance, with the celebrity pair becoming engaged in May 2022 before exchanging vows in December.

Reflecting on their initial encounter during House of Games in an interview with the Sunday Times Magazine, Osman noted: “Unlike most couples, though, I do have a record of the first thing I ever said to my soulmate: ‘I’m looking for two rhyming answers.

“‘A musical instrument filled with rice played by shaking, and the capital of Venezuela.'”

“Ingrid buzzed in: ‘Maracas and Caracas’. I was instantly smitten. She was beautiful, funny and clever.”

The Thursday Murder Club is now available to watch in cinemas and will debut on Netflix on Thursday, August 28.

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