Hugh Laurie to star in big new thriller for BBC1

Hugh Laurie
(Image credit: WireImage)

Hugh plays a charismatic politician heading for trouble...

Hugh Laurie has signed up to star in a new political thriller for BBC1.

The 60-year-old actor will play charismatic Conservative minister Peter Laurence in the fictional four-part drama written by Collateral writer David Hare.

Redkill sees Peter desperately struggle as both his private and personal life begins to fall part.

His enemies are playing a crucial part in his impending downfall, but despite all the revelations about him he somehow walks “a high wire between glory and catastrophe as he seeks to further his own agenda whilst others plot to bring him down”.

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Peter then is in embroiled in a huge game as he strives to get higher and higher in the political world, but can he outrun his enemies?

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.”

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David Hare penned the recent BBC thriller Collateral, which starred Carey Mulligan (Image credit: BBC/The Forge)

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 BBC1.”

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Hugh’s long acting CV includes The Night Manager, Catch-22, House and Blackadder.

It’s not yet been revealed when Roadkill, starring Hugh Laurie, will be screened. Further casting is expected soon.

Main pic of Hugh Laurie: WireImage

David Hollingsworth
Editor

David is the What To Watch Editor and has over 20 years of experience in television journalism. He is currently writing about the latest television and film news for What To Watch.

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David started out as a writer for TV Times before becoming the title's deputy features editor and then features editor. During his time on TV Times, David also helped run the annual TV Times Awards. David is a huge Death in Paradise fan, although he's still failed to solve a case before the show's detective! He also loves James Bond and controversially thinks that Timothy Dalton was an excellent 007.

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