Olivier-award winning actress Denise Gough and Victoria star Tom Hughes will lead the cast of BBC Two’s Paula.

The new three-part revenge drama about a brief encounter that ends in violence is written by Conor McPherson, in his first original television series.

Directed by Alex Holmes (Coalition, House of Saddam), Paula begins filming in Belfast next month.

Writer Conor McPherson commented: “It’s a great pleasure to work with the BBC and Cuba Pictures on this series. Exploring new ways to tell stories is always an inspiring challenge and the opportunity to weave a drama across three evenings is one I have enjoyed immensely. The trust and freedom they have given me at every step is something every writer dreams about and the astonishing cast they have assembled couldn’t be more exciting.”

Denise Gough added: “Having worked with Conor McPherson on stage I am so excited to work with him again on this amazing project. He’s written a script that I know all of us involved feel very privileged to be part of bringing to life. Paula is a brilliantly complex woman and I can’t wait to play her.”

Paula tells the story of “the fallout in a young Chemistry teacher’s life, after her one-night stand with a good-looking but dangerous ducker and diver. There is an instant, animalistic, spark of attraction before they become locked in a dance of mutual destruction. Only one can survive, but their actions will take a terrifying toll on all those around them.”

The cast also includes Owen McDonnell (Spooks).

Are you looking forward to Paula? Let us know below…