Death in Paradise favourite lands role in BBC's new Agatha Christie drama

The BBC has announced the star-studded cast joining Edward Bluemel in the upcoming six-part Agatha Christie adaptation, Hercule.

The new drama, which centres around three of Christie's early stories, explores the origins of one of literature's most famous detectives: Hercule Poirot.

Currently filming primarily in Liverpool, the six-part series chronicles how Poirot became the world's greatest sleuth.

© CREDIT LINE:BBC/Mammoth Screen/James Stack

While David Suchet's legendary 25-year portrayal remains a tough act to follow, Edward Bluemel will undoubtedly bring a fresh, unique spin to the iconic character, supported by an exceptional ensemble cast.

Keep reading to find out more…

Who has been cast in Hercule? 

Ralf Little (Death in Paradise, The Royle Family) has joined the cast of the BBC series, alongside Jessica Alexander (The Beauty, The Return of Stanley Atwell), Honor Swinton Byrne (The Souvenir, War), Omari Douglas (Black Doves, It’s A Sin), Paul Forman (Emily in Paris, Stags), Arthur Hughes (Shardlake, Then Barbara Met Alan), River Medway (Here & Now, RuPaul's Drag Race UK), Katherine Parkinson (Rivals, Here We Go), Natalie Quarry (Call the Midwife, Think of England), and Toby Stephens (Black Sails, Jane Eyre). 

© Red Planet Pictures/Denis Guyenon

They join the previously announced Henry Ashton (A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, A Good Girl's Guide to Murder), James D'Arcy (Oppenheimer, Constellations), Calvin Demba (Supacell, Life), Phil Dunning (Smoggie Queens, Am I Being Unreasonable?), Jack Gleeson (House of Guinness, In the Land of the Saints and Sinners), Tamsin Greig (Riot Women, Friday Night Dinner), James Nesbitt (Cold Feet, Run Away), Guy Remmers (The Buccaneers, Lessons), Rebecca Rittenhouse (His & Hers, Maggie) and Mawaan Rizwan (Juice, The Split Up).

© Dave Benett

What is Hercule about? 

Billed as "an intimate study of Hercule Poirot the man and an epic portrait of Britain between the wars," the series chronicles the story of how the sleuth became the world's greatest detective. 

According to the synopsis, the series will centre around three of Christie's early stories, while also introducing Hercule Poirot to future friends and allies and one particular nemesis. 

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The second Agatha Christie novel to be adapted for the series is Peril at End House, following Lord Edgware Dies.  

The drama is penned by Benji Walters (Code of Silence, The Leopard, Obsession), while Charlie Palmer (A Woman Of Substance, Extraordinary) serves as series producer. 

Directing the series are Jonny Campbell (Am I Being Unreasonable?, In The Flesh), Chanya Button (Code of Silence, Doctor Who) and Alrick Riley (Bridgerton, How to Get Away with Murder) 

Meet Edward Bluemel

Edward, 33, is an English actor perhaps best known for his roles in Sex Education, A Discovery of Witches, My Lady Jane, We Might Regret This and Washington Black.

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No stranger to Agatha Christie adaptations, Edward portrayed Jimmy Thesiger in the Netflix series, Agatha Christie's Seven Dials, which was released earlier this year. 

On his casting, Edward said: "I feel very lucky to have been trusted with such an iconic character who has been played by so many great actors. I can't wait to continue Hercule's legacy."

The series comes to BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK, and BritBox in North America in 2027.  A release date has yet to be announced.