Former Doctor Who star Christopher Eccleston is in talks to take the lead role in a new version of cult '60s drama The Prisoner, according to various reports.

The original series starred Patrick McGoohan as a top government agent who was abducted after resigning from his position. The character then found himself in a sinister village where nothing was as it seemed.

The remake will be the biggest ever drama commission for Sky One, running to a cost of more than £8 million for the first, six-episode series.

"If Doctor Who set the standard, The Prisoner raises the bar," said channel controller Richard Woolfe. "This series is a sophisticated, high concept drama to rival anything on the terrestrials and the best of the US. It's our biggest drama commission ever and every penny will be evident on screen."

Executive producer Damien Timmer added: "The Prisoner is like Pandora's box - it's the ultimate ultimate conspiracy thriller. Like 24, the new series will entrap you from the opening scene. We hope it will tap into this iconic show's existing cult following, whilst creating a whole new generation of fans."

Production on the show begins this summer for TX next spring.