Written by Stephen Butchard (Five Daughters, House Of Saddam), the four-part drama series for BBC One will begin filming in Liverpool this month and will air next year.

The story sees Brown’s character’s life and career thrown into turmoil when his best friend is brutally murdered and he finds himself “increasingly desirous for revenge and a different kind of justice”.

The former-Hollyoaks star commented: “As soon as I read the script I knew I wanted to be part of this project. Savage is fantastically written and to be given the opportunity to play such a complex character is something every actor dreams of.”

The cast also includes Stephen Graham (Occupation), Michael Angelis (Auf Wiedersehen Pet), Aisling Loftus (Five Daughters), Mark Womack (Murphy’s Law), Kerrie Hayes (Lilies) and Christine Tremarco (Casualty).

BBC’s Controller of Drama Commissioning, Ben Stephenson, added: “I’m thrilled to announce that we have cast Warren in his first lead role on primetime BBC One, following his success in hit series Luther. Warren will bring real energy to Stephen Butchard’s highly charged Savage, playing a young beat cop who will take the audience on a thrilling joyride through urban Liverpool.”

Watch the trailer for Series 2 of Luther…