The Guardian – 10th January, 2015

Actor will play the boss of a secret government department in 10-part series expected to blend fantasy, horror and sci-fi
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde drama series.

Photograph: Ian West/PA Press Association

Richard E Grant is to star as the boss of a secret government department in a new TV adaptation of the Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde story.

The Withnail & I actor will play Sir Roger Bulstrode, who is head of the shadowy M10 service in ITV’s Jekyll and Hyde, which will also feature ex-Coronation Street and Strictly Come Dancing star Natalie Gumede.

The 10-part series begins filming next month with Tom Bateman, who has been seen in Da Vinci’s Demons and on the West End stage in Shakespeare In Love, playing Robert Jekyll and his dark alter ego.

The story has been written by Fast Show comic and novelist Charlie Higson, who has set the action in the 1930s.

Gumede – who took part in the 2013 series of Strictly – is to play Jekyll’s love interest, Bella.

The programmes are expected to blend fantasy, horror and sci-fi and will use computer-generated imagery effects.