Gabriel Byrne to star in Channel 4 drama 'Coup'

Gabriel Byrne is to take the lead role in forthcoming Channel 4 drama Coup.

The conspiracy thriller - based on former Labour MP Chris Mullin's novel A Very British Coup - will see Byrne play reluctant hero Tom Dawkins.

Following a suspicious industrial accident in Teeside, politician Dawkins will rail against the establishment to uncover the truth and get justice for the families affected by the disaster.

Struggling to keep his party onside and the electorate behind him, he gradually unravels a sinister government conspiracy.

Byrne is best known for his film credits, including roles in 1990's Miller's Crossing, 1995's The Usual Suspects and 1999's End of Days.

He also appeared in HBO drama In Treatment for three seasons, until the show was cancelled in March 2011.

His last UK television appearance was a 1994 production for BBC Two's single drama Screen Two.

Coup has been adapted by Lennon Naked scribe Robert Jones and will be produced by The Shadow Line's Johann Knobel.

The four-part series - made by Company Pictures and Newscope Films - is due to begin filming in February and will air on Channel 4 later this year.

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