The five-part drama about “real life, ordinary people pushed to extremes” is written by William Ivory (Made In Dagenham) and begins filming in Nottingham next month.

The official synopsis reads: “The series introduces a rogue’s gallery of irascible characters, men and women, all of whom work for the same haulage company driving 40-ton articulated lorries across the Midlands and in each episode a trucker undergoes a life changing journey and we are along for the ride. In an age when technology makes us seem ever more connected, the series explores how isolated we can become within modern society and the importance of real human connection. Truckers is packed with powerful, moving stories that are joyous and full of redemption.”

Tompkinson commented: “Occasionally in my career, I’ve been able to say an immediate yes to a project without seeing a script, simply because of the writer’s name. Truckers is certainly up there with William Ivory’s other celebrated works and it is indeed an honour to be a part of it and a genuine thrill to be bringing it to BBC One.”

Polly Hill, Head of Independent Drama, BBC added: “We are thrilled to see Stephen Tompkinson back on the BBC. Billy’s wonderful scripts are both emotional and funny, as they examine the truthfulness of modern life and relationships. Stephen will be a brilliant Malachi, and seeing him star in this original drama, will be a real treat for our BBC One audience.”

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