Hugh Laurie is to take on the role of a charismatic UK Conservative minister in a new political thriller for the BBC.
Most recently he played US Senator Tom James in the hugely successful HBO sitcom Veep, for which he received his 10th Emmy Award nomination.
Roadkill, written by David Hare, is a four-part fictional series which "explores the relationship between personal morality and political power".
Laurie will play Peter Laurence, a self-made, forceful and charismatic Tory MP whose public and private lives appear to be falling apart at the hands of his enemies.
As the personal revelations spiral, Peter is shamelessly untroubled by guilt or remorse, skilfully walking the thin line between glory and catastrophe as he looks to further his own agenda while others plot to bring him down.
But it becomes apparent how difficult it is, for both an individual and a country, to leave the past behind, and Peter must attempt to outrun his own secrets to win the ultimate prize.
Screenwriter and playwright Sir David, known for the films Collateral, The Reader and The Hours, said: "I first worked with Hugh Laurie in 1987 when he set off on his riveting change of direction from adroit comedian to commanding dramatic actor.
"I can't wait to see him embody the fictional future of the Conservative Party in Roadkill."
Piers Wenger, controller of BBC Drama, said: "Roadkill is a thriller which explores the relationship between personal morality and political power.
"Hugh Laurie is an incredible actor who will play this fictional role with utter conviction, and it is a great honour to work once again with David Hare and (production company) The Forge to bring this brilliantly sharp and funny drama to BBC One."
