BBC Studios and the Agatha Christie estate just pulled off something straight out of a mystery novel: they’ve brought the legendary crime author back to life using AI.
Writers can now learn directly from the best-selling writer of all time, not through textbooks, but via AI-enhanced video lessons where Christie appears to show, speak, and guide.
BBC Maestro’s latest writing course uses:
- AI-generated visuals based on licensed images
- Restored archival audio
- A fastidiously trained actress (Vivien Keene)
- Christie’s actual words, pieced together by top scholars
“We meticulously pieced together Agatha Christie’s own words from her letters, interviews and writings,” said Dr. Mark Aldridge, considered one of the Christie experts behind the project.
Reality check
Christie died in 1976. Her appearance and voice within the course are digital reconstructions — a mix of acting, AI, and historical material. The course isn’t AI-written; the words come straight from her documented thoughts on writing.
Behind the curtain:
- The AI can’t fully function without Keene’s performance, which was matched biometrically to Christie’s features.
- Keene studied rare Christie footage to duplicate her subtle mannerisms.
- The voice was “re-speeched” to mix Keene’s cadence with the true Christie’s tone.
The move comes amid rising fears about AI in creative industries. James Prichard, Christie’s great-grandson and CEO of Agatha Christie Ltd., acknowledged the chance: “I’d be lying if I said there weren’t worries… But this wasn’t written by AI. It’s a faithful restoration of her insights, delivered in a way that may reach more people.”
Legacy meets innovation
BBC Studios is positioning this as a model for ethical AI. Nicki Sheard, head of brands and licensing, said it represents “meaningful innovation” that respects legacy while using tech to encourage latest storytellers.
Whether you’re a fan of Hercule Poirot or a brand new author chasing plot twists, the queen of crime is able to mentor. Thanks to cutting-edge tech and a number of archival digging.
The course is available via BBC Maestro, a paid educational streaming platform.
