First Look At Helen McCrory And Hugh Laurie's New BBC Political Thriller 'Roadkill'

The first picture has dropped from BBC's new political thriller, Roadkill, starring Hugh Laurie and Helen McCrory.

In the snap, The Night Manager and House star Hugh, 61, can be seen in character as "self-made, forceful and charismatic politician" Peter Laurence, whose public and private life is teetering on disaster as they are dissected by his enemies, who are keen to score points against him.

Penned by Sir David Hare, the four-part TV series is set to "[explore] the relationship between personal morality and political power".

BBC)

While we haven't yet a glimpse of her character, Peaky Blinders star Helen McCrory will play Prime Minister, Dawn Ellison.

Also starring are Ophelia Lovibond (WIA), Sarah Greene (Dublin Murders, Normal People), Patricia Hodge (Miranda) and Saskia Reeves (The Child In Time).

Teasing the ruthless Conservative MP Laurence's fate, the BBC said: "As personal revelations spiral, he is shamelessly untroubled by guilt or remorse, expertly walking a high wire between glory and catastrophe as he seeks to further his own agenda whilst others plot to bring him down.

"However events show just how hard it is, for both an individual and a country, to leave the past behind. With enemies so close to home, can Peter Laurence ever out-run his own secrets to win the ultimate prize?"

While there is not yet an airdate for the production, it has completed filming, and so we can expect to hear more soon.

BBC)

Speaking about the up the upcoming show, David Hare said: "I first worked with Hugh Laurie in 1987 when he set off on his riveting change of direction from adroit comedian to commanding dramatic actor.

"I can't wait to see him embody the fictional future of the Conservative party in Roadkill."

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, added: "Roadkill is a thriller which explores the relationship between personal morality and political power.

"Hugh Laurie is an incredible actor who will play this fictional role with utter conviction, and it is a great honour to work once again with David Hare and The Forge to bring this brilliantly sharp and funny drama to BBC One."

We can't wait for this one!

Topics: BBC, TV News, TV Entertainment

Joanna Freedman

Joanna is a journalist at Tyla with a particular interest in highlighting women's issues and telling inspiring first person stories. She's also their resident foodie, and loves covering exciting new beauty launches, too. Contact her at [email protected].

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