Hugh Laurie is to star in new BBC One drama series Roadkill.
Award-winning actor Hugh Laurie will play a Conservative minister in the major new political thriller, written by David Hare (Collateral) and produced by The Forge (Collateral, National Treasure, Kiri).
Roadkill is a four-part fictional thriller about a self-made, forceful and charismatic politician called Peter Laurence (Hugh Laurie).
A synopsis from the BBC reads: “Peter’s public and private life seems to be falling apart – or rather is being picked apart by his enemies.
“As the 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?”
Writer David Hare, who penned Oscar winning films The Hours and The Reader, 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.”
Further casting will be announced in due course.