Sophie Okonedo and Adrian Lester are set to star in Peter Moffat’s original 6-part BBC political thriller – "Undercover."
To be broadcast on BBC One (not ETA yet), the series is described as bold and gripping, starring Okonedo as lead character Maya, who’s about to become the first black Director of Public Prosecutions, and Adrian Lester as her husband, Nick. Just as her life comes under intense public scrutiny, Maya discovers that her husband and the father of her children, has been lying to her for years. Is he concealing an affair, or is it something altogether more sinister? If she digs up his real past, will she be safe? And who wants her in this new job and why? Twenty years ago, Nick was a fearless and dedicated undercover officer, infiltrating organisations considered a danger to society because of their political beliefs. Nick built himself a fake past and now with his wife unsuspecting, and his conscience killing him – his secret identity may compromise the new Director of Public Prosecutions – Maya, his wife.
Peter Moffat says: "Ever since making ‘Criminal Justice’ with Hilary Salmon, we’ve been itching to get back to looking at the parts of the justice system, the media and public life that time and again, over the last five years, have been shown to be occupied by the good, the bad and the very ugly. I’ve been lucky enough with the research sources I’ve had access to, to dig really deep into the darker corners of all these worlds, and come up with what I hope is an uncompromising and surprising thriller. I feel incredibly lucky to be writing for such a wonderful cast, with two lead actors in Sophie Okonedo and Adrian Lester who are right at the top of their games. It has been a particular privilege to have had the chance to involve and engage Sophie in the research and development process at every point."
It is set to be directed by James Hawes and produced by BBC Drama Production England, for BBC One.
Sophie Okonedo says: “Peter Moffat has written an extraordinary story that is relevant and at the same time utterly compelling. He asks hard questions of us all. The part I play is a Titan of women, called Maya, who is not afraid to say the unsayable. She is a truth seeker and is prepared to shine light into the darkest corners, come what may. I am tremendously excited, honored and of course a little frightened to play her.”
Adrian Lester says: “This is one of those opportunities that an actor hopes for. The people involved are some of the most talented artists working in television. Sophie Okonedo, Peter Moffat, Richard Stokes, Hilary Salmon and James Hawes. Having admired them for years, I now get the chance to work with them. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Undercover also stars Tamara Lawrance, Daniel Ezra, Shannon Hayes, Vincent Regan, Angel Coulby, Derek Ridell, Mark Bonnar, Leanne Best, Jude Akuwudike, Thomas Dominique, Glyn Grimstead, Phil Deguara, Sam Stockman, Thomas Aldridge, Kerry Shale, Neil D’Souza, Todd Kramer, Robert Whitelock, Terence Beesley, Fraser Ayres, Clarence Smith, Brett Allen, Nathan Nolan and Enzo Squillino Jr.
"Undercover" will shoot in and around Cornwall and London, starting in July.
