Sarah Lancashire has joined the cast of BBC Two's 'MotherFatherSon'.
Sarah Lancashire
The 'Happy Valley' actor will play a former businesswoman turned MP alongside Hollywood legend Richard Gere, who stars as a media mogul who owns a London-based newspaper.
On making the transition from the big screen to the small screen, Richard said: "It's been almost 30 years since I worked in television.
"I'm so pleased to be working now with the BBC on this extraordinary eight-hour project with such talented people and which resonates so much to the time we live in."
The new BBC Two drama will also feature 'Game of Thrones' star Joseph Mawle, Call The Midwife's' Sinéad Cusack, and Penny Dreadful's Danny Sapani.
Tob Rob Smith, who wrote and created the drama, said: "Telling this story was always going to depend upon gathering an extraordinary cast. Richard Gere has starred in some of the most famous movies of all time. His roles are iconic and complex.
"He's joined by the remarkable Helen McCrory, showcasing heartbreaking emotional tenderness and immense power. And completing the central family is Billy Howle, one of the most exciting young actors I've ever had the privilege of watching perform.
"Under the brilliant direction of James Kent, the show promises to be something special for the BBC."
'Peaky Blinders' actress Helen added: "Tom Rob Smith has written the most astonishing script - completely original and full of surprises."
Billy, who starred as Leonard Vole in Agatha Christie's 'Witness for the Prosecution' in 2016, "can't wait" to appear alongside the likes of Richard and Helen in this eight-part drama.
He said: "I feel humbled to be given the opportunity to portray such a complex role with such a specific set of challenges, for me as a person and an actor. I really hope that I can do it justice.
"And what better people to be collaborating with? I can't wait to get going."
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