±«Óãtv

Update: 14/09/2011 – this release has been updated to reflect a change to the programme title

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Philip Glenister (Ashes To Ashes) has been cast to star alongside film star Thekla Reuten (The American, In Bruges) and David Suchet in a taut and compelling four-part conspiracy thriller made by Origin Pictures for ±«Óãtv One.

Written and created by Ronan Bennett (Michael Mann's Public Enemies, The Hamburg Cell, Face) in collaboration with Walter Bernstein (The Magnificent Seven, The Money Trap, Fail Safe), Hidden revolves around the efforts of Harry Venn (Glenister), a small-time solicitor who is forced to delve into his murky past.

David Thompson, executive producer for Origin Pictures, commented: "As soon as we started discussing this idea with Ronan and Walter, the first actor who sprang to mind was Phil Glenister. The role is tailor made for him. Ronan and Walter have given us an electric and highly provocative drama which is very much of the moment."

When a mysterious lawyer Gina Hawkes (Reuten) turns up asking Harry to find a missing alibi witness for her client he agrees to take on the job but is unwittingly drawn into investigating the death of his brother 20 years ago. Harry quickly finds himself caught up in a much bigger and more complex conspiracy that reaches deep into the heart of the British political system.

Philip Glenister says: "I am looking forward to shooting Hidden which I feel is a bold, innovative, complex piece of drama from the pen of Ronan Bennett."

Ronan Bennett adds: "I have really enjoyed collaborating with Walter on Hidden and I am delighted the drama has attracted such an outstanding cast. I hope the twists and turns of this conspiracy thriller will keep audiences hooked."

The cast includes: David Suchet (Agatha Christie: Poirot) as Sir Nigel Fountain, Richard Dormer (My Boy Jack) plays Frank Hanna, Mark Powley (Bronson, The Bill) plays Mark Venn, Peter Guinness (Sleepy Hollow, Red Cap) plays Jason Styles, Benjamin Smith (Nowhere Boy) plays Matt, Matthew Marsh (Luther, Spy Game) plays James Morpeth, Paul Ritter (Lark Rise To Candleford) plays Stevie Quirke and Thomas Craig (Murdoch Mysteries) plays DS/DI Fenton Russell.

Hidden will start filming next week in Belfast. The director is Niall MacCormick (Wallander, The Long Walk To Finchley), the producer is Christopher Hall (Lost World, Archangel, Hound Of The Baskervilles, Case Sensitive), the executive producer for the ±«Óãtv is Stephen Wright, Head of Drama for ±«Óãtv Northern Ireland, the executive producer for Origin Pictures is David Thompson, commissioned for ±«Óãtv One by Ben Stephenson, Controller of ±«Óãtv drama commissioning.

Notes to Editors

Origin Pictures' production for ±«Óãtv Two, The Crimson Petal And The White, begins on 6 April.

RN