COMEDIAN John Bishop is to star in BBC1’s hard-hitting drama Accused.
The award-winning stand-up plays a troubled father called Peter in the second series of Jimmy McGovern’s show.
Liverpool-born John, 44, said he was “made up” to land the role in an episode of the new four-part series which begins filming this weekend.
The presenter of John Bishop’s Britain will appear alongside Misfits star Robert Sheehan, who plays his teenage son Stephen.
Legally Blonde and Two Pints of Lager actress Sheridan Smith also stars as palliative care nurse Charlotte.
Although known as a comedy star, John has played previous roles in Skins and the Ken Loach film Route Irish.
His episode is written by Jimmy McGovern and former MEN journalist Danny Brocklehurst, whose recent credits include Exile.
The new series features former Shameless and Nowhere Boy star Anne-Marie Duff and Rev actress Olivia Colman as two mothers.
They are trying to do right by their sons and their community in a battle against guns and crime in an episode which opens with the funeral of a young drug dealer.
His gang leader Riley, played by The Fades and Skins actor Joe Dempsie, warns local shops to stay closed as a mark of respect.
Anne-Marie as hair salon owner Mo refuses to be intimidated and is supported by her best friend Sue, played by Olivia. But before long hoodies are encircling the premises.
Love Actually and Nanny McPhee star Thomas Brodie-Sangster and ex-Waterloo Road actor Oliver Lee play the mothers’ teenage sons Jake and Sean.
Accused focuses on a different crime and punishment every week and is made by the same TV team that created award-winning The Street.
The first series included guest roles by Mackenzie Crook and Christopher Eccleston.
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