The BBC has confirmed a brand-new six-part series centred on Agatha Christie's beloved Belgian sleuth, Hercule Poirot. Titled Hercule, the drama will see actor Edward Bluemel take on the legendary role, bringing three of Christie's most cherished stories to life on screen.
Edward Bluemel Takes on Iconic Role
Reflecting on landing the part, Edward Bluemel said: "I feel very lucky to have been trusted with such an iconic character who has been played by so many great actors. I can't wait to continue Hercule's legacy." Bluemel is perhaps best recognised for portraying Hugo in Killing Eve, Marcus Whitmore in A Discovery of Witches, and Lord Guildford Dudley in My Lady Jane.
Series Synopsis and Setting
The official synopsis for the series, which is due to begin filming predominantly in Liverpool this summer, hints that it will delve into the detective's formative years. It reads: "The series is an intimate study of Hercule the man and an epic portrait of Britain between the wars. The series takes a magnifying glass to three of Christie's most celebrated stories, while also charting Hercule's burgeoning friendship with Captain Arthur Hastings, his early encounters with Scotland Yard's James Japp, and introducing him to one particular nemesis..."
Creative Team Behind the Series
The series has been penned by Benji Walters, recognised for his contributions to Code of Silence, The Leopard and Obsession, while BAFTA winner Jonny Campbell will helm the opening two episodes, with Charlie Palmer serving as series producer.
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, commented: "Hercule Poirot is one of the greatest and most loved characters of all time, and bringing him back to the BBC is a real privilege. From the first moments of Edward's audition, we knew we'd found the perfect actor for Hercule, with a performance that feels both fresh and exciting, yet quintessentially Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot. We can't wait for viewers to meet him."
Meanwhile, James Prichard, executive producer for Agatha Christie Limited added: "My father had the privilege of working with David Suchet for nearly 25 years, and I now have the good fortune of being able to share my great grandmother's brilliant stories with a new generation of viewers. Edward Bluemel is an extremely talented performer and will make a great addition to the long line of actors that have played this celebrated character, aided and abetted by Benji Walters' thoughtful scripts. I cannot wait to see Edward on screen as Hercule Poirot."
Where to Watch
The show will make its debut on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK, while North American audiences will be able to catch it on BritBox.
