Yahoo News David Tennant to play Alexander Litvinenko for brand new ITV crime drama
Former Doctor Who star David Tennant is gearing up to play Alexander Litvinenko in a new ITV crime drama.
The four-parter, which is officially titled Litvinenko, is set to detail the ex-Russian Federal Security Services and KGB officer's final days in November 2006, which were spent working with the Metropolitan Police to try and uncover who was responsible for his fatal polonium poisoning.
According to the UK broadcaster, it will also focus on Marina, Litvinenko's "fearless" widow and her mission to have her husband's killers named publicly by the British Government, and the Russian State's involvement in his death acknowledged.
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Criminal's Jim Field Smith is on board to direct, working with scripts penned by Lupin writer George Kay.
Tennant will star opposite The Blacklist's Margarita Levieva (as Marina), Quiz's Mark Bonnar (as Clive Timmons) and Small Axe's Neil Maskell (Brent Hyatt).
"In late 2006, Alexander Litvinenko was a living witness to his own murder. He spent his dying days entrusting the Metropolitan Police with the details of what happened to him," Kay said in a prepared statement.
"It took those police and his remarkable widow Marina Litvinenko a decade to have those claims ratified. Their stamina, hard work and bravery are what make this not only an essential story of our times but a privilege to be asked to write."
"After David's incredible performance as Dennis Nilsen [in Des], I'm delighted he returns to ITV to play Alexander Litvinenko in the incredible story of his murder," ITV's Head of Drama, Polly Hill, added.
"George Kay's scripts are brilliant and this is an important story that documents a long police investigation and a powerful campaign for justice by his wife Marina. It is going to make a compelling drama and I am proud to have it on ITV."
"This one is a privilege, a once in a career opportunity to tell a story about a family and a police team who have shown such courage and resilience that it has inspired us all," said Executive Producer, ITV Studios, Patrick Spence.
Litvinenko is yet to receive an air date.
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