Goode to be PBS's 'Contemporary' host

BOSTON, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- British actor Matthew Goode has been named host of the premiere season of "Masterpiece Contemporary," PBS said Wednesday.

Known for his roles in the films "Match Point," "The Lookout" and "Brideshead Revisited," the 30-year-old actor has appeared in "My Family and Other Animals," "The Inspector Lynley Mysteries" and "Miss Marple" on "Masterpiece."

He will begin his new job with PBS by presiding over the network's season opener "The Last Enemy," a five-part thriller scheduled to start Oct. 5.

"In the tradition of favorite 'Masterpiece' actors, Matthew brings talent, charm and versatility to every role he plays," "Masterpiece" executive producer Rebecca Eaton said in a statement. "He's a wonderful fit for our new 'Contemporary' programming, which showcases some of the best young and interesting talent working today."

"It's exciting to be associated with a new venture like 'Masterpiece Contemporary,'" Goode added. "I think the relevant themes of these provocative programs will attract a wide audience."

"Masterpiece Contemporary," which follows the successful launches of "Masterpiece Classic" and "Masterpiece Mystery," was created to present outstanding British television drama with contemporary themes, PBS said.

On Nov. 9, Antony Sher, Dominic Cooper, Stellan Skarsgard and Stephen Dillane will be seen in the movie "God on Trial," while "Filth," starring Julie Walters, is slated to air Nov. 16 and the documentary "The Unseen Alistair Cooke" is to be broadcast Nov. 23 as part of the new "Contemporary" slate.