Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville says new ITV drama goes into “dark territory”
Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville has revealed that his new ITV drama Douglas is Cancelled goes into "dark territory".
The new four-part show, which comes from former Doctor Who boss Steven Moffat, focuses on the actor's news presenter Douglas and the fallout of an accusation he told "an extremely sexist joke at a wedding".
Speaking about the screenplay, Bonneville explained that while the series provides the laughs at first, things take a more dramatic turn as the show progresses.
Related: Downton Abbey 3 confirms cast with surprise Paul Giamatti return
"It made me roar with laughter but, as with all good satire, the laughter gradually turned to ice as the questions raised by the comedy became more stark... harsher," he said (via Radio Times).
"Some of the twists and turns are toe-curlingly funny, but by the end, the lights have gone out, the fun has evaporated and we’re into dark territory. To read the whole thing in one sitting was as riveting as it was uncomfortable."
Douglas is Cancelled is also set to star Doctor Who's Karen Gillan as Douglas's co-host Madeline, whom Douglas will begin to question after the tweet goes viral.
Related: Doctor Who's Steven Moffat explains feeling "slightly sad" about writing return
Who star Alex Kingston, Taskmaster's Nick Mohammed, The Crown's Ben Miles and The Death of Stalin's Simon Russell Beale are also part of the ensemble.
A trailer for the series was released earlier this month, giving fans a first look at Bonneville and Gillan in character.
Moffat recently returned to the world of Doctor Who following his departure seven years ago, writing the recent episode 'Boom'. He has also written 2024 Christmas special 'Joy to the World'.
Douglas Is Cancelled begins at 9pm on Thursday, June 27 on ITV and ITVX.
You Might Also Like
