First look at Ben Hardy in BBC One adaptation of Wilkie Collins' The Woman in White

The former EastEnders star takes the lead in the new series based on the classic period thriller
First look: Ben Hardy takes the lead role in the BBC's latest adaptation
Steffan Hill/Origin Pictures/BBC
Hanna Flint2 October 2017

Ben Hardy is set to return to BBC screens for the channel’s latest adaptation of a Wilkie Collins classic.

The former EastEnders star takes the lead in The Woman in White, a period thriller that follows his character, Walter Hartright, as he investigates the sinister goings-on at a country estate after coming across a mysterious lady dressed entirely in white.

The BBC has released the first image from their upcoming five-part drama, showing Hardy in charcater as the art teacher.

It’s not the first time the broadcaster has adapted this particular Collins work. In 1997, Andrew Lincoln played Walter with Justine Waddell as Laura.

Co-star: Jessie Buckley stars opposite Ben Hardy in the new BBC drama
FX Network

The 2018 series boasts a stellar ensemble cast which includes Dougray Scott, Charles Dance, Olivia Vinall, Jessie Buckley, Art Malik and Joanna Scanlan.

Hardy’s last appearance on the BBC was two years ago as Peter Beale in EastEnders.

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Speaking of his leading role, the actor said: "I have always admired and been a fan of the BBC's period dramas and I'm so thrilled to be playing the leading role of Walter in this classic story."

The Woman in White is one of many high-profile roles the British star has landed since leaving the long-running soap.

Hardy played Angel in X-Men: Apocalypse and has landed a coveted role in the Queen biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, as drummer Roger Taylor opposite Rami Malek who is playing the late Freddie Mercury.

The actor will also appear in Mary Shelley as The Vampyre writer John Polidori and, this November, in Only The Brave opposite Jennifer Connelly, Taylor Kitsch and Jeff Bridges.

The Woman in White will premiere on BBC One next year.

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