David Morrissey to star in new BBC1 drama The Driver
The three-part series, also featuring Ian Hart, Colm Meaney and Shaun Dingwall is created by Bafta-winning Danny Brocklehurst to air later this year
The 7.39 actor David Morrissey is switching commuter trains for taxis in a new three-part BBC drama. Written by Bafta-winning Danny Brocklehurst, The Driver follows the story of cab driver Vince McKee, an ordinary man who makes a terrible decision in an attempt to turn his life around.
Faced with a family mystery and fed up with his day-to-day existence, Vince enlists an old friend to help but things don't go according to plan, leading him to agree to drive for a criminal gang. Billed as a story of redemption, the trio of hour-long episodes show a man who, under incredible circumstances, gets a second chance.
"I am very excited to be starring in The Driver and to be working with such a great cast," said Morrissey, who is also executive producing the drama.
"The Driver is a passion project for me and I'm proud of the way it is both a character drama and a thriller," added writer Danny Brocklehurst, best known for his writing on Clocking Off, Exile and Accused. "As with all my work there is a strong emotional core and it explores ordinary lives pushed into extraordinary situations.
"I have always wanted to work with Dave Morrissey, one of the UK's finest actors, and I'm delighted to be finally getting the chance. The entire cast is amazing and it is a privilege to have them on board."
Morrissey will be joined by Claudie Blakley (What Remains) playing his wife, Ros, and Sacha Parkinson (Coronation Street) as their daughter, Katie. Shaun Dingwall (Breathless), Colm Meaney (Star Trek) and Lee Ross (EastEnders) will also feature along with Ian Hart who will reunite with Morrissey for the first time since the pair's breakthrough performance in 1983's One Summer.
Speaking about the new commission, BBC1 controller, Charlotte Moore, said, "The Driver is a gripping tale of an ordinary life turned upside down and it's wonderful to announce David Morrissey returning to BBC1 after his fine performance in this week's critically acclaimed hit The 7.39."
Directed by Jamie Payne (Doctor Who, The White Queen), filming begins on The Driver this week in the Manchester area with plans to broadcast on BBC1 later this year.
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