Marc Warren in The Musketeers
Marc Warren will be in the second series of The Musketeers.
The 'Hustle' actor has signed up to play the Comte De Rochefort, a dashing aristocrat with a talent for sword fighting and a taste for adventure, in the BBC One drama's second series.
He commented: "I'm delighted to be part of the BBC's stylish and exciting take on the Dumas classic. Once I've overcome my fear of horses I'm sure it'll be a walk in the park."
On the surface, Rochefort seems like a charming and persuasive character, but as the series progresses his true nature and dark secrets are revealed. Only the Musketeers and their friends stand between him and a desperate act that will change all their lives forever.
The character replaces Cardinal Richelieu as the series' main antagonist as actor Peter Capaldi has left to star in 'Doctor Who'.
Jessica Pope, BBC's executive producer, added: "Adrian [Hodges, show creator] and I were thrilled to welcome Marc to the cast. He's a clever and mercurial actor who will bring danger and charm to the role of Rochefort in equal measure."
The star joins Luke Pasqualino ('Skins') as D'Artagnan, Tom Burke ('Great Expectations') as Athos, Santiago Cabrera ('Merlin') as Aramis and the Royal Shakespeare Company's Howard Charles as Porthos.
'The Musketeers' follows King Louis XIII's personal bodyguards who fight for honour and justice on the streets of 17th Century Paris.
Filming for series two is currently under way in Prague, following the success of the first series this January, which was the BBC's third highest-rating drama launch of the past decade.
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