Tony Gardner Cast In BBC One’s ‘The Escape Artist’

EXCLUSIVE: I’ve learned that British actor Tony Gardner has been cast in BBC One’s upcoming three-part drama The Escape Artist. Details of Gardner’s role are being kept firmly under wraps, although my sources tell me that it is a “major part.” Gardner just recently wrapped production on BBC Three’s upcoming comedy series Bluestone 42 and is a main cast member on BBC One’s romantic drama series Last Tango In Halifax, which was recently renewed for a second season. Gardner will be joined on The Escape Artist by former Doctor Who star David Tennant, whom (as TVWise previously reported) has been cast in the lead role as Will Burton.

Written by Spooks scribe David Wolstencroft and produced by Endor Productions, The Escape Artist is a three-part serial which forms part of BBC One’s recently announced drama line up for 2013. The drama revolves around Will Burton (David Tennant), a talented junior barrister of peerless intellect and winning charm who specialises in spiriting people out of tight legal corners. He is in high demand as he has never lost a case. But when his talents acquit the notorious prime suspect in an horrific murder trial, that brilliance comes back to bite him with unexpected and chilling results, not to mention a shocking twist in the tale. Brian Welsh is directing, with Hilary Bevan Jones and Paul Frift serving as producers, the executive producer is Matthew Read.

Production on the serial is set to commence next month in London. My sources have described the project as a “extremely well written and visceral” drama. “The sheer scope – how one action leads to such tragic events. It really is a remarkable piece of work from David [Wolstencroft].” I’m still waiting to hear back on further casting, but I’m told by one insider that Endor Productions has assembled “a very talented cast & crew” for this serial.