Filming begins this month on the new run of ITV’s Dark Heart in which Tom Riley plays DI Will Wagstaffe, a man haunted by the murder of his parents when he was 16 years old.
Announced last December, the series follows a successful pilot and is inspired by characters created by novelist Adam Creed, who has written a series of books featuring Will Wagstaffe.
Riley is joined in the series by Charlotte Riley (Peaky Blinders, Close To The Enemy), Miranda Raison (Murder on the Orient Express, Silk) and Anjli Mohindra (Bancroft, The Boy with the Topknot) and guest cast include Claire Goose (The Coroner, Unforgotten, Waking The Dead), Alex Carter (Cuffs, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks), Clare Foster (Taboo, Sherlock, The Crown) and Paul Kaye (Game of Thrones, Three Girls).
Synopsis:
Whilst devoting his life to his work, Will Wagstaffe, also known as Staffe to his colleagues, battles personal demons. He’s haunted by the unresolved murder of his parents, which affects both his private and professional life including his on-off romance with sometimes girlfriend, Sylvie, played by Miranda Raison.
His closest relationship is with his sister Juliette, played by Charlotte Riley, and young nephew Harry, who stays with him when Juliette has troubles with her boyfriend.
With no parents and no significant partner of his own, Juliette and Harry mean everything to Staffe. Determined and tenacious, Wagstaffe is an exceptionally good police officer, in spite of the fact he’s been known for pushing the boundaries of what’s considered acceptable policing.
The series is written by screenwriter Chris Lang whose work includes award-winning drama Unforgotten, Torn, Undeniable and A Mother’s Son and produced by drama label Silverprint Pictures, the team responsible for ITV’s multi-award winning drama Vera starring Brenda Blethyn.
ITV Head of Drama Polly Hill said: “We’re thrilled Tom Riley has agreed to return as Will Wagstaffe in Dark Heart.
“As the central character, he has immersed himself in police work to seek some form of closure for what has happened in his past.
“It’s a gritty, emotionally driven thriller from Chris Lang which I’m only too pleased to re-commission from Kate Bartlett’s new drama label.”
Lang commented: “It’s such a treat to be able to re-visit the world of D.I. Will Wagstaffe. For me he is that most unusual of things, a TV cop who’s personal story is as compelling as the cases he investigates.
“I cannot wait to dive in to both, alongside our incredibly talented creative team, and of course, the hugely talented Mr Riley.”