Glasgow actor Peter Capaldi is set to join a star-studded new Netflix drama bringing the darker stories of Roald Dahl to television.
The Glasgow-born actor, best known for playing The Doctor in Doctor Who and sweary spin doctor Malcolm Tucker in The Thick of It, is joining a cast that includes Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, Dominic West and Imelda Staunton.
The six-part series will draw on Dahl’s stories for adults, less well known tales than his children’s classics Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda and The BFG.
According to The Times, Capaldi will appear in the new production, which is currently filming in northern England.
Written by Danny Brocklehurst, whose previous credits include Netflix thriller Fool Me Once and comedy drama Brassic, the series follows a young couple who find themselves stranded in a faded seaside town.
As they attempt to escape, they encounter an increasingly sinister collection of characters, including conmen, adulterers, murderous mothers and snake charmers.
The production will weave elements of Dahl’s fiction into a continuous narrative.
The programme, which has been filming under the working title Zoltar, also features Toby Jones, Naomi Scott, Josh Finan, Carmen Ejogo, Christine Tremarco, Michael Socha and Clarke Peters.
Filming began in August, with locations including Manchester, Scarborough and other parts of northern England.
Brocklehurst said Dahl’s short stories were what first inspired him to become a writer.
The series is being produced by Orchid Pictures, with Suzanne Mackie, whose credits include The Crown, among the executive producers.
Capaldi, 68, is one of Scotland’s most recognisable television stars. He made his breakthrough in Bill Forsyth’s acclaimed Scottish film Local Hero in 1983 before establishing himself as a leading comedy and drama actor.
He became internationally famous when he took over the TARDIS as the Twelfth Doctor in 2013, having previously won acclaim for his portrayal of Malcolm Tucker.
His more recent television work includes The Devil’s Hour and Criminal Record, while he has also pursued a music career, releasing two albums and performing live.
The actor is due to return to Glasgow for a concert on 17 December. Netflix has yet to announce an official title or release date for its new Roald Dahl drama, although it is expected to arrive on the streaming platform in 2027.