A brand-new, four-part drama by BAFTA-winning writer Danny Brocklehurst will begin filming in Manchester this month
The series, In the Dark, adapted from books by bestselling novelist Mark Billingham, will star MyAnna Buring (Ripper Street, Downton Abbey, The Twilight Saga) as Helen Weeks, a feisty yet fragile detective.
She will be joined by Ben Batt (The Go Between, Shameless, From Darkness) as Paul Hopwood, her partner and a head strong Detective Inspector.
Further cast confirmed include David Leon, Ashley Walters, Matt King, Clive Wood, Emma Fryer, Jamie Sives, Pearce Quigley, Georgia Moffett, Sinead Matthews and Jessica Gunning.
The director of the opening story will be Gilles Bannier (The Tunnel, Spiral) and the second story Ulrik Imtiaz Rolfsen (Taxi, Varg Veum).
Characterful, darkly funny and with themes relevant to our times, In The Dark is an incredibly personal and engaging crime series. With visceral emotional dilemmas at the centre of the two crime stories, the series is anchored by Helen Weeks and her journey towards motherhood. Can she overcome childhood secrets and unexpected tragedy that befalls her to make the world a better place for her unborn child? Even if you love someone, do you ever really know them completely?
Myanna Buring says: “What interested me was Danny Brocklehurst’s writing and working with Hilary Martin. I have such respect for their work and the way they conduct it. They have developed a great story and have now brought in a brilliant production and creative team, directors, and cast… Gilles has created an incredible atmosphere for all the actors this week – I’m excited for shooting to begin.”
Ben Batt says: “I am thrilled to be working on In The Dark; it’s got it all – excellent scripts, intriguing characters and a fantastic cast. And the added bonus of filming around Manchester is just brilliant.”
Writer Danny Brocklehurst says: “It’s always great for a writer when you have a superb cast to bring your words to life. I’m thrilled to be working with the super-talented MyAnna Buring, an actress I have admired for many years, and the brilliant Ben Batt. I know that they will inhabit Helen and Paul, and deliver the performances these complex characters deserve.”
Author Mark Billingham says: “Danny has written a fantastic script and I could not be more thrilled at the amazing cast the production team has assembled for In The Dark. I can’t wait to see them bring these characters to life on screen.”
Hilary Martin, Head of BBC Drama North and executive producer, adds: “MyAnna Buring is an extraordinary talent, and we are excited to watch her bring Danny and Mark’s iconic character Helen Weeks to life. She is joined by a stellar cast and we can’t wait to share In The Dark with a BBC One audience.”
