Ben Whishaw to co-star with Hugh Grant in 'A Very English Scandal'

Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Spectre and London Spy actor Ben Whishaw has signed on to star as Norman Scott opposite Hugh Grant's Jeremy Thorpe in the BBC's three-part drama, A Very English Scandal.

Written by Russell T. Davies and directed by Stephen Frears, the miniseries is based on the bestselling book by John Preston. It tells the true story of British politician Thorpe who, in 1979, was tried but acquitted of conspiring to murder his ex-lover Scott.

"It's a dream come true, to work with Ben. One of Britain's finest actors playing one of history's most fascinating men," Davies said in a statement Friday.

Piers Wenger, controller of BBC Drama, added: "Ben Whishaw is an extraordinary actor and we are thrilled to announce he will star opposite Hugh Grant in this scandalous real-life story for BBC One. I cannot wait to see this first-class British duo bring Russell's powerful scripts to life."