Filming ends on BBC One's "Jekyll" Starring James Nesbitt

Popular and hugely successful actor James Nesbitt (Murphy's Law, Bloody Sunday), takes the much coveted lead role in Hartswood Films' highly anticipated series Jekyll for BBC One and is joined by an outstanding cast for the series which completed filming on 20th December for transmission next year.

Gina Bellman (Coupling, Blackeyes) plays Mrs Jackman, whose idyllic existence with her two small sons and doting husband is shattered by an ancient family curse: you think your husband's having a mid-life crisis - try being Mrs Jekyll & Hyde.

Denis Lawson (Holby City, Sensitive Skin and Emmy nominated for Bleak House) plays Tom Jackman's oldest friend Peter Syme, who's just a little worried that Tom now seems to be sharing a flat with a younger sexier man with a taste for the night life.

Michelle Ryan (EastEnders) is Tom's enigmatic and dedicated assistant, psychiatric nurse Katherine Reimer, the only person other than Dr. Jackman who knows about the secret double life and has the job of helping him lead it: the servant of two masters but only one man.

Meera Syal (Life Isn't All Ha Ha Hee Hee, The Kumars at No 42) is Miranda, the private detective who stumbles not only on the truth about Dr. Jackman and his alter ego, but on a conspiracy over a century old: she must convince Tom that there more frightening things in this modern world than Mr. Hyde...

They are also joined by Mark Gatiss, charismatic star of The League of Gentlemen and Nighty Night. Writer Steven Moffat (Coupling, Doctor Who) has taken a modern twist on the classic tale of scientific misadventure which he describes as "Somewhere between a modern horror story and The Odd Couple," whilst producers Elaine Cameron and Jeffrey Taylor comment: "The series is a remarkable conspiracy thriller - more Spooks than Robert Louis Stevenson." James Nesbitt comments: "Jekyll is modern, contemporary and cutting-edge - I am excited about exploring the comedy and darkness in both characters."

It is 2006 and there's a new Dr Jekyll, with an old problem - Mr Hyde. But they have a deal - a body share - and an impossible life is somehow lived. What Hyde doesn't know: Jekyll is married. There's a wife and two children he'll do anything to protect from his dark side. With all the resources of modern technology, and the best surveillance hardware, he's determined to keep his dark side in line. He's done a deal with his own devil. What neither of them knows: an ancient organisation, with limitless wealth and power, is monitoring their every move, and a plan over a century in the making is coming to fruition. The return of Dr Jekyll is no accident...

The directors are Douglas Mackinnon (The Flying Scotsman, Gentlemen's Relish, Bodies), and Matt Lipsey (Border Café, Little Britain). Executive Producers are Beryl Vertue and Steven Moffat. The series was commissioned by Controller of BBC Drama commissioning, Jane Tranter, and BBC Head of Independent Drama, John Yorke.

Beryl Vertue says: "The scripts are brilliant - scary, funny, and full of the unexpected. We are delighted about James Nesbitt, one of the few genuine stars who has the range needed to play this extraordinary role."

Jane Tranter, Controller, BBC Drama commissioning adds: "Steven's Jekyll takes a legendary story and places it firmly in the modern world. It will be high concept, intelligent and utterly engrossing as we focus on a man whose life is literally split in half."

Jekyll is a Hartswood Films Production in association with Stagescreen Productions for BBC One and will be screened next year.

For further information please contact
Anya Noakes, Publicist for Hartswood Films on 020 7483 2005