Michael Gambon (Harry Potter) and Keeley Hawes (Line of Duty) will lead the cast of The Casual Vacancy, BBC One’s upcoming mini-series based on JK Rowling’s novel. Other confirmed cast members includes Rory Kinnear, Monica Dolan, Julia McKenzie and Abigail Lawrie. Gambon will play Howard Mollison, owner of the Pagford delicatessen, with Julia McKenzie (Shirley … >
A one-off adaptation of David Walliams’ first children’s book, Boy in the Dress, will air on BBC One this Christmas. Following the success of Walliams’ two previous Christmas TV offerings, Gangsta Granny and Mr Stink, the hour-long special tells the story of a 12-year-old boy who enjoys cross-dressing, and the reactions of his family and … >
Marc Warren (Hustle) has been cast in the second series of The Musketeers. The Mad Dogs star will play the Comte De Rochefort, a dashing and persuasive aristocrat with a talent for sword fighting and a taste for adventure. The character is described as “a man nursing many secrets and a very dark past”. The … >
BBC One has announced the cast for Our Zoo, a new drama based on the real story of the eccentric Mottershead family who established Chester Zoo in the 1930s. Written by award-winning playwright Matt Charman, the series will star Lee Ingleby (Inspector George Gently) as ex-serviceman George Mottershead, alongside Liz White (Life On Mars) as … >
Filming has begun on BBC One’s new character-driven thriller series The Missing. James Nesbitt (The Hobbit), Frances O’Connor (Mr Selfridge) and Tcheky Karyo (GoldenEye) will lead the cast of the eight-part series. > Like The Missing on Facebook. Other cast members include Jason Flemyng (X-Men: First Class), Ken Stott (Rebus) as Ian, Arsher Ali (Four … >
BBC Worldwide has announced details of World War One drama The Passing Bells, a new Polish co-production. Marking the centenary of World War One, the five-part drama will be filmed in Poland and is written by Tony Jordan (EastEnders, Hustle, Life on Mars). The Passing Bells tells the story of World War One through the … >
Christina Marie is the new favourite to win the current series of BBC One’s The Voice according to Ladbrokes. The 20-year-old from Bristol leads the betting at 3/1 to secure her mentor, The Kaiser Chiefs’ Ricky Wilson, a win on his début series. Christina says: “This competition is hugely important as it has the potential … >
BBC One has announced the commission of The C Word, an adaptation of Lisa Lynch’s inspiring and candid book about her experience of cancer. Based on her popular blog which was launched shortly after her diagnosis in 2008, the one-off 90-minute drama will star Sheridan Smith as Lisa and begins filming in May. > Order … >
BBC One has announced the commission of Doctor Foster, a new medical drama series by British playwright Mike Bartlett. The channel has ordered five 60-minute episodes. Creator Mike Bartlett commented: “My ambition with Doctor Foster is to put an intelligent, empowered woman at the centre of the drama and give her a huge battle to … >
Lenny Henry has written a one-off fictionalised account of his life as a working-class teenager in 1970s Dudley. Danny and the Human Zoo centres round Danny Fearon, a talented impressionist, and his working-class Jamaican family, as he rises to fame as a stand-up comedian. The 90-minute drama is described as “a high-energy, nostalgic period piece … >