Stephen Tompkinson leads new BBC One drama
Stephen Tompkinson (Wild At Heart, DCI Banks) is to star as Malachi Davies in a new five-part drama ‘Truckers’, which tells stories of real life, ordinary people pushed to extremes
The series is written by William Ivory (Made In Dagenham, Burton & Taylor) and made by Company Pictures for BBC One.
The series introduces a rogue’s gallery of irascible characters, men and women, all of whom work for the same haulage company driving 40-ton articulated lorries across the Midlands and in each episode a trucker undergoes a life changing journey and we are along for the ride.
In an age when technology makes us seem ever more connected, the series explores how isolated we can become within modern society and the importance of real human connection. Truckers is packed with powerful, moving stories that are joyous and full of redemption.
Speaking about the role, Stephen Tompkinson said: “Occasionally in my career, I’ve been able to say an immediate yes to a project without seeing a script, simply because of the writer’s name. Truckers is certainly up there with William Ivory’s other celebrated works and it is indeed an honour to be a part of it and a genuine thrill to be bringing it to BBC One.”
Steve Lightfoot, Executive Producer, Company Pictures, said: “We are delighted to have Stephen playing one of our lead characters, Malachi Davies. Malachi is a larger than life character in a complex situation, so will be a great role for Stephen to get to grips with.”
Polly Hill, Head of Independent Drama, BBC added: “We are thrilled to see Stephen Tompkinson back on the BBC. Billy’s wonderful scripts are both emotional and funny, as they examine the truthfulness of modern life and relationships. Stephen will be a brilliant Malachi, and seeing him star in this original drama, will be a real treat for our BBC One audience.”
The executive producers are Steve Lightfoot, John Yorke and William Ivory for Company Pictures and Polly Hill is the Head of Independent Drama for the BBC. The producer for Company Pictures is Faye Dorn and the directors are Sheree Folkson and Sue Tully.
Truckers begins filming in Nottingham next month.
