Ripper Street star MyAnna Buring will lead the cast of BBC One’s In the Dark, a new crime drama from the creator of Ordinary Lies.

Adapted from bestselling novelist Mark Billingham’s books by Danny Brocklehurst (The Driver, Exile), the four-part series features Buring as Helen Weeks, a feisty yet fragile detective.

The Downton Abbey actress commented: “What interested me was Danny Brocklehurst’s writing and working with Hilary Martin. I have such respect for their work and the way they conduct it. They have developed a great story and have now brought in a brilliant production and creative team, directors, and cast… Gilles has created an incredible atmosphere for all the actors this week – I’m excited for shooting to begin.”

She is joined by Ben Batt (Shameless, From Darkness) as Paul Hopwood, her partner and a head strong Detective Inspector.

Batt says: “I am thrilled to be working on In the Dark; it’s got it all – excellent scripts, intriguing characters and a fantastic cast. And the added bonus of filming around Manchester is just brilliant.”

In the Dark is described as “characterful, darkly funny and with themes relevant to our times” and “an incredibly personal and engaging crime series.”

The cast also includes David Leon, Ashley Walters, Matt King, Clive Wood, Emma Fryer, Jamie Sives, Pearce Quigley, Georgia Moffett, Sinead Matthews and Jessica Gunning.

Writer Danny Brocklehurst teased: “It’s always great for a writer when you have a superb cast to bring your words to life. I’m thrilled to be working with the super-talented MyAnna Buring, an actress I have admired for many years, and the brilliant Ben Batt. I know that they will inhabit Helen and Paul, and deliver the performances these complex characters deserve.”

Author Mark Billingham added: “Danny has written a fantastic script and I could not be more thrilled at the amazing cast the production team has assembled for In the Dark. I can’t wait to see them bring these characters to life on screen.”

The show’s official synopsis reads: “With visceral emotional dilemmas at the centre of the two crime stories, the series is anchored by Helen Weeks and her journey towards motherhood. Can she overcome childhood secrets and unexpected tragedy that befalls her to make the world a better place for her unborn child? Even if you love someone, do you ever really know them completely?”

In the Dark begins filming this month in Manchester and the North West.

Are you looking forward to In the Dark? Let us know below…