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Nesbitt to star in Jekyll

23/05/2007

Cold Feet star James Nesbitt has been lined up to play the lead role in the new BBC six-part series Jekyll.

Nesbitt will join a cast of television stars in the drama which focuses on Tom Jackman, the man with a devilish alter-ego, Mr Hyde. The two share a body and with the help of his trusted assistant, Jackman/Hyde go about life trying their best to minimise/maximise disruption.

Michelle Ryan, famous for her role as Zoe Slater in Eastenders, will play Katherine Reimer, Jackman's assistant who tries to hold it all together.

Steven's Moffat's modern take on a classic tale involves the only living descendent of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (Jackman) trying to manage his Victorian demon with the help of modern technology.

But Mr Hyde doesn't know that Jackman has a wife and two kids that he is desperate to look after and keep separate from his other life or the "night-shift" as it is referred to.

Discussing Nesbitt's casting for the role, Moffat said: "I don't know what slinks around the dark side of James Nesbitt's mind, but right at this moment I'm guessing he thrashes in his sleep every night, muttering Michael Caine, John Barrymore.

"Because this is not just one of the all-time greatest parts ever created for any actor breathing, it's two of them. And it's not just been played by some of the best actors ever, it's been played by a whole damn list."

Nesbitt said the series was "modern, contemporary and cutting-edge."

"I am very excited to have been given the opportunity to explore the comedy and darkness in both characters," he added.


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