Ben Aldridge will star in a new four-part ITV series of The Long Call

Our Girl and Fleabag actor Ben Aldridge is set to take the leading role as DI Matthew Venn in ITV’s new adaptation, The Long Call. The evocative and gripping four-part event drama is inspired by the best-selling novel of the same title from award-winning writer Ann Cleeves, creator of the iconic Vera and Shetland series. Screenwriter Kelly Jones will write all four episodes in her first solo series.

Ben will be joined by Juliet Stevenson playing Matthew Venn’s mother, Dorothy and Martin Shaw as the spiritual Brethren leader Dennis. The cast also includes Anita Dobson, Neil Morrissey, Pearl Mackie, Dylan Edwards, Sarah Gordy, Amit Shah and Alan Williams.

The character-led, atmospheric crime drama is driven by the intriguing and flawed protagonist, Detective Inspector Matthew Venn, who has returned to live in a small community in North Devon with his husband, Jonathan.  It’s a place Matthew walked away from 20 years ago, after being rejected by his family.

Ann Cleeves was pleased with the casting:

“…Ben was the actor who read the audio book even before the TV show was commissioned.  I love his pared-back, restrained narration.  He’s worked on the novel as well as the script, and so he understands the character in depth.  No author could wish for more.”

You can read the full announcement for more details. Filming is due to commence this month and we’ll bring you more news as we get it.