First glimpse of Martin Clunes in new ITV drama Arthur & George (VIDEO)

(Image credit: Neil Genower)

Here's an enticing first look at Martin Clunes as Sherlock Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in new ITV drama Arthur & George.

The trailer gives a glimpse of the Doc Martin star in a story based on an intriguing chain of events in the life of the creator of fiction's most famous detective.

Following the death of his wife, Louisa, a grieving Conan Doyle finds a distraction in the case of George Edalji, who has served seven years in Pentonville Prison for allegedly mutilating animals and sending threatening letters.

Convinced that there has been a miscarriage of justice, Conan Doyle asks his trusted manservant, Alfred ‘Woodie’ Wood, to arrange a meeting with George when he's released from prison. At 27, George is desperate to clear his name and get on with his life, so Arthur promises to help.

The cast also includes Downton Abbey star Charles Edwards as Alfred, Arsher Ali as George, Art Malik as his father, the Reverend Shapurji Edalji, and Emma Fielding as his mother Charlotte Edalji. 

The three-part drama is due to screen on ITV in March.