Hugh Grant to Star in BBC Drama A Very English Scandal

Hugh Grant is making his return to British television in the three-part drama A Very English Scandal for BBC One.

Written by Russell T Davies and directed by Stephen Frears, the three-hour drama is based on the best-selling book by John Preston, former arts editor of the Evening Standard and Sunday Telegraph. Grant will star as disgraced MP Jeremy Thorpe.

A Very English Scandal will mark the first production from the Sony-backed Blueprint Television, which launched last June.

Dominic Treadwell-Collins, the head of Blueprint, said: “Hugh is one our most iconic British actors—sharp, witty, deeply human and nuanced—and to have him play one of the most controversial figures of British politics is utterly thrilling. With Russell T Davies writing and Stephen Frears directing, A Very English Scandal unites the highest level of talent to bring this extraordinary true story to life.”

Piers Wenger, the controller of BBC Drama, commented: “Hugh Grant is an extraordinary actor and a worldwide star. I’m delighted that he is joining the BBC One family and I can’t wait to see how he applies his unique talent bringing to life this mercurial role.”