Martin Compston, best known for his role as DS Steve Arnott on Line Of Duty, has signed of for a guest starring role in the second season of ITV's royal drama Victoria. He will play Dr. Robert Traill, a key campaigner in the petition to gain awareness and support for those suffering from the potato famine in Ireland during the 1840s. 
Dame Diana Rigg is joining the cast of ITV's royal drama Victoria as a series regular for its upcoming second season and two-hour Christmas special, TVWise has learned. Rigg, best known to TV audiences for her recurring role on HBO's Game Of Thrones, will play the Duchess of Bucchleuch. 
Mammoth Screen has optioned the film and television rights to Henry Hemming's upcoming non-fiction book M, which tells the true story of former MI5 Director of Intelligence Maxwell Knight, TVWise has learned. Bridge Of Spies scribe Matt Charman is attached as the lead writer for the adaptation.
ITV is expanding their drama slate. The commercial broadcaster has given the green-light to four new drama series, which hails from such auspices as Doctor Foster creator Mike Bartlett, The Syndicate and In The Club scribe Kay Mellor, husband and wife team Paul Rutman and Natasha Narayan, and newcomers Mark Denton & Jonny Stockwood. 
BBC Two has released a first look image of Nikki Amuka-Bird (Luther) in their 90 minute one-off adaptation of the Zadie Smith novel NW. 
BBC One is adding to their drama slate with a multi-part adaptation of Malorie Blackman's novel Noughts & Crosses from Poldark indie Mammoth Screen. 
EXCLUSIVE: ITV has given the green-light to Fearless, a six episode political and legal thriller from Homeland's Patrick Harbinson which is being toplined by Peaky Blinders and Skyfall star Helen McCrory, TVWise can reveal.