TV
The actor has been cast as an Australian scientist called Professor Howard Florey in Breaking The Mould, a new 90-minute programme.
The one-off factual drama is set during World War II and tells the tale of those who first discovered penicillin.
Joe Armstrong, who was most recently seen in Robin Hood, will star alongside West as Norman Heatley, the most junior member of Florey's team.
"It's great to be working with BBC Drama on such a brilliant script," said West. "The story of Florey seems little known in the UK but in Australia, he is considered one of their greatest heroes and therefore it is wonderful to be playing him."
Filming for the show began last week. It is expected to air on BBC Four later this summer.
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