NI Hosts BBC TV Drama

Northern Ireland's growing reputation as a film location is set for another boost as a new TV drama, filmed in both the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland goes on air.

Produced with assistance from both Northern Ireland Screen and the Irish Government, the new BBC TV drama comes to the small screen on 1 May.

The Invisibles is a new comedy drama series by William Ivory from Company Pictures starring Jenny Agutter; Warren Clarke; Anthony Head and Dean Lennox Kelly.

Maurice Riley (Anthony Head) and Syd Woolsey (Warren Clarke) are old friends who return from the good life on the Costa del Crime, where they have spent their ill-gotten gains, to a quiet Devon fishing village, where they plan to eke out their retirement fishing and availing themselves of the NHS.

However, the quiet life is not for them and, with money running short, they quickly find themselves drawn back into a life of crime, only to find that crime has moved on and they have got new things to learn.

"We are thrilled to have a new series from William Ivory on BBC One, which is both smart and very funny, and which has brought together a wonderful cast - Warren Clarke, Anthony Head and Dean Lennox Kelly will be terrific as The Invisibles," said Polly Hill, Commissioning Editor, BBC.

Warren Clarke - who previously starred in Dalziel And Pascoe - is Syd, who has four wives and three divorces under his belt, and is finding 'single life' hard.

Maurice (Anthony Head, Little Britain, Buffy) is his rock and that creates its own stresses for Maurice. But in his defence, Syd also knows he'd lay down his life for his friend.

Dean Lennox Kelly (Shameless) plays Hedley, the 30-something-year-old son of the late Vernon Huthwaite, Syd and Maurice's former partner in crime.

When Hedley hears Syd and Maurice are planning to put down roots locally, he wants in on the action.

Jenny Agutter (Spooks, The Alan Clark Diaries) plays Barbara, married to Maurice, Barbara is aware of her husband's penchant for cracking open the odd safe or two.

Maurice and Barbara's daughter is Grace (Emily Head). Grace thinks her dad can do no wrong, and that's because she has no idea how he's made his money.

Paul Barber (Only Fools And Horses, The Full Monty) plays Young Nick who, together with Maurice, Syd and Vernon, pulled off some of the most notorious robberies in the country's colourful history.

(BMcC)