AI Revives Agatha Christie as Your Personal Literary Mentor

The BBC Studios, in collaboration with the Agatha Christie estate, has achieved a feat reminiscent of a classic mystery: they’ve resurrected the iconic crime author using AI technology.

Aspiring writers now have the opportunity to learn directly from the world’s best-selling author, not through traditional textbooks, but via AI-enhanced video lessons where Christie seems to teach, converse, and provide guidance.

BBC Maestro’s new writing course incorporates:

• AI-generated imagery based on licensed archival photos
• Restored historical audio
• A carefully trained actress, Vivien Keene
• Christie’s own words, thoughtfully compiled by leading scholars

“We carefully assembled Agatha Christie’s own words from her letters, interviews, and other writings,” said Dr. Mark Aldridge, one of the project’s Christie experts.

A Reality Check

It’s important to note that Christie passed away in 1976. The course utilizes digital reconstructions of her appearance and voice—created through a combination of acting, AI, and historical content. However, the dialogue is not AI-generated; it comes directly from Christie’s documented insights on writing.

Behind the Scenes:

• The AI relies on Keene’s performance, which was biometrically aligned with Christie’s features.
• Keene observed rare footage of Christie to accurately emulate her subtle gestures.
• Her voice was “re-speeched” to merge Keene’s delivery with Christie’s authentic tone.

This initiative comes amidst growing concerns regarding the role of AI in creative fields. James Prichard, Christie’s great-grandson and CEO of Agatha Christie Ltd., recognized these concerns: “I’d be dishonest if I said there weren’t apprehensions… But this content wasn’t generated by AI. It’s a true restoration of her wisdom, presented in a manner that will engage a broader audience.”

Where Legacy Meets Innovation

BBC Studios intends for this project to serve as a model for ethical AI usage. Nicki Sheard, head of brands and licensing, emphasized that it represents “significant innovation” that honors legacy while leveraging technology to inspire a new generation of storytellers.

Whether you’re a devoted fan of Hercule Poirot or an emerging writer crafting complex narratives, the queen of mystery is ready to mentor you, thanks to state-of-the-art technology and dedicated archival research.

You can access the course