BBC Two has found their London Spy.
Ben Whishaw, who is perhaps best known for his role as Q in the James Bond feature film Skyfall, is to lead the cast of Child 44 author Tom Rob Smith’s five episode espionage drama London Spy, TVWise has learned.
Penned by Tom Rob Smith, London Spy tells the story of Danny, a young gay spy who is somewhat ill-equipped for the game of espionage. The MI6 officer soon falls in love with the anti-social and enigmatic Alex, but when he disappears Danny must decide whether he’s prepared to fight for the truth.
Ben Whishaw will play series lead Danny, who is described as being “a gregarious and hedonistic romantic. Speaking of the casting, series creator Tom Rob Smith said: “Ben Whishaw is quite simply one of the best actors in the country. It’s an extraordinary privilege, as a writer, to have him play the lead.”
The five episode series, which was commissioned by then BBC Two Controller Janice Hadlow and the BBC’s Head of Independent Drama Poly Hill, is being produced by Working Title Television with Juliette Howell, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Poly Hill serving as executive producers. Production on the series is set to begin next month for a 2015 premiere.
