Ben Whishaw to lead BBC Two thriller London Spy

Ben Whishaw stars in new emotional thriller

Award-winning British actor Ben Whishaw has been cast as Danny, the lead character in BBC Two’s new five-part espionage thriller, London Spy from Tom Rob Smith.

Ben plays Danny – a gregarious, hedonistic romantic who gets drawn into the dangerous world of British espionage in this contemporary, emotional thriller.

He falls for the anti-social but enigmatic Alex, both from opposite worlds, and they soon realise they’re perfect for each other. But when Alex suddenly disappears, Danny is utterly ill-equipped to take on his complex and codified world. Young, innocent and adrift he needs to decide whether he’s prepared to fight for the truth?

Tom Rob Smith says: “Ben Whishaw is quite simply one of the best actors in the country. It’s an extraordinary privilege, as a writer, to have him play the lead.”

Of his first television drama, creator and writer Tom says: “It’s very exciting to have one of the best production companies in the country, Working Title, produce my first contemporary spy thriller series for BBC Two, unarguably the most prestigious home for drama in the UK.”

Polly Hill, BBC Head of Independent Drama, adds: “I’ve been a huge fan of Tom’s and am delighted to be working with him, and to see his unique storytelling brought to BBC Two. This is a beautifully written love story, caught up in a spy thriller – a wonderfully complex and surprising story, of one man’s search for the truth. It promises to be a treat for the BBC Two audience, continuing the channels commitment to original authored drama.”

Juliette Howell, Head of Television at Working Title Television, says: “As a huge fan of Tom’s novels, I am thrilled to be working with him on this original series for television which dazzles both in conception and execution. We’re delighted also to be making this with the BBC who, from the outset, have shared our passion for the project.”.

London Spy is made by Working Title Television and will begin filming in October 2014 for transmission on BBC Two in 2015.