David Tennant is preparing for one of his most challenging roles yet after signing up to star as poisoned Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko in a new ITV drama.
The series, titled Litvinenko, will focus on the high-profile case of Mr Litvinenko, who died in 2006 after being subjected to a rare radioactive substance in London.
It’ll also tell the story of Mr Litvinenko’s widow Marina who fought to persuade the British Government to acknowledge the role of the Russian State in his murder.
Margarita Levieva (The Deuce, The Blacklist) plans Marina, while Mark Bonnar (Catastrophe, Quiz) and Neil Maskell (Small Axe, Utopia) will also appear in the programme.
The series is directed by Jim Field Smith (Criminal, Truth Seekers).
Litvinenko screenwriter George Kay said: ‘In late 2006, Alexander Litvinenko was a living witness to his own murder.
‘He spent his dying days entrusting the Metropolitan Police with the details of what happened to him.’
George added: ‘It took those police and his remarkable widow Marina Litvinenko a decade to have those claims ratified.
‘Their stamina, hard work and bravery are what make this not only an essential story of our times but a privilege to be asked to write.’
George is also known for writing Netflix’s Lupin, Criminal, Stag and Killing Eve.
A release date for Litvinenko has yet to be confirmed.
It’s the most recent role David is preparing for at the moment, after sporting the full vicar setup in new snaps from the set of his upcoming BBC drama Inside Man.
The Doctor Who star was seen filming on Tuesday alongside It’s A Sin and Years and Years star Lydia West as well as Dolly Wells, who previously appeared on Dracula and The Pursuit of Love.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : David Tennant open to Line of Duty stint as ‘a baddie’ and we can’t think of anything better
MORE : David Tennant and wife Georgia to star in modern-day Jekyll and Hyde series together