Guest Author - Pam Lawrence

The incredibly popular James Nesbitt (Murphy's Law, Bloody Sunday) returns to the small screen on Saturday 16 June on BBC One as Dr Tom Jackman in a very modern version of Stephenson's classic tale, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Nesbitt is perfect for the demanding role, portraying a man whose life is literally split in two. Joining him is an all star cast including Michelle Ryan (formerly Zoe in EastEnders) as Tom's dedicated assistant and psychiatric nurse, Meera Syal as private detective Miranda, plus Gina Bellman as Tom's long suffering wife.

The six parter was written by talented screenwriter Steven Moffat, whose credits include Dr Who, Coupling and Murphy's Law. Unsurprisingly, the scripts are brilliant, with that perfect mix of humour and horror, with a thoroughly modern twist. Director of the first three episodes, Douglas Mackinnon, was thrilled at the prospect of this major project, “the drama is universal in its themes – prejudice, exploitation of people, and it’s a good horror story.”

Executive Producer Beryl Vertue of Hartswood Films has explained that producer Elaine Cameron was looking for a supernatural thriller, and when Jekyll and Hyde was touted as an idea, she realized Nesbitt would be the man to take on the role. Adding Moffatt to the mix ensured a perfect combination.

The story opens as Dr Tom Jackman, intense and brooding, is confronted by his wife. Six months before, he left both family and job with no explanation. Cue Meera Syal as the private detective hired by Mrs. J. She reckons hubby is having a bit of a mid life crisis...and his best friend Peter Syme (played by Denis Lawson) is concerned his friend is sharing his life with a sexy younger man who only comes out to play at night.

Hyde has no idea his alter ego has a wife and kids that he'd do anything to protect, and what neither character knows is that an ancient organization is watching every step, waiting to bring an ancient plan to fruition.

Only the enigmatic psychiatric nurse Katherine Rymer (Michelle Ryan) knows the truth about Tom's double life, and she is the one with the unenviable job of helping him lead it. The determined private detective won't let up until she discovers the real truth behind her client's husband, and in the process stumbles upon a century old conspiracy, and family curse.

The producers of the show have described it as just that: a conspiracy thriller, “more Spooks than Robert Louis Stevenson.” So don't expect werewolves and nasty potions, nor a thoroughly demonic Hyde. Sure, he's dangerous but rather sexy and fun in a devilish way.