ITV bosses have unveiled the new cast for the much-anticipated second series of hit murder mystery series Broadchurch.
Marianne Jean-Baptiste, James D'Arcy, Eve Myles and Phoebe Waller-Bridge will join David Tennant and Olivia Colman to make up a star-studded cast.
Sources have indicated that Academy Award, BAFTA and Golden Globe-nominated Marianne will play a leading role in the new series with creator and writer Chris Chibnall revealing his delight at her casting,
"We're over the moon to have wooed Marianne back from Los Angeles to join us in Broadchurch," he said. "Marianne is one of Britain's finest actresses, so it's an honour and a coup for us. It's a role written specifically for her and I would've wept for months if she'd turned us down. Luckily she didn't and her character is going to make an indelible impact on the world of Broadchurch."
Also joining the cast in a key role is acclaimed film and television actor James D'Arcy, who is known for his roles in Cloud Atlas, Hitchcock and The Making of a Lady. Renowned for his successful film and television career in the UK and US, James took the lead role in the American drama Those Who Kill.
"James's extraordinary recent work in movies such as Cloud Atlas and opposite Anthony Hopkins in Hitchcock makes him another thrilling and important addition to the Broadchurch cast," said Jane Featherstone, chief executive of Kudos and Broadchurch's executive producer. "It's never easy to tempt actors back from Hollywood, and we feel privileged that James is joining us as a key part of our new story."
Leading television actress Eve Myles (Torchwood, Little Dorrit, Frankie) will also play a central role in the new series. Eve's career includes roles in dramas including You, Me & Them, Merlin and Doctor Who.
Rising star Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Bad Education, Blandings, The Cafe) also joins the production when filming begins later this month. Phoebe wrote and performed in the Olivier-nominated stage show Fleabag, which also won the 2014 Critic's Circle Award. As with all the new additions, details of her character will remain under wraps for now.
The new additions will co-star with David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Jodie Whittaker, Andrew Buchan, Arthur Darvill and Charlotte Rampling when roadchurch returns.
