Spall to star in ITV1 gun crime thriller

Timothy Spall is to star in a one-off ITV1 drama about gun crime.

The actor will play a father who takes the law into his own hands after his daughter is shot dead in Gunrush.

It has been written by Richard Cottan and will be directed by Richard Clark and produced by Emma Benson. ITV Productions' controller of drama Kate Bartlett will executive produce.

Benson commented: "This film takes us to the heart of the crisis about gun crime in Britain: it explores what it means to be a man in contemporary society.

"Gunrush follows two intertwined stories about the power of the gun - how desire for it, and the respect it supposedly gives you can consume you, whatever your social status and background."

Spall's character Doug Becket is a mild-mannered driving instructor from suburban London until the murder in a supermarket. When detectives fail to find the killer he tries to track down the weapon used.

Bartlett explained: "Richard Cottan’s script is a powerful piece of drama set against the backdrop of urban city Britain.

"We are thrilled that Timothy Spall has agreed to play the lead, Doug Becket. This is an exciting new drama for ITV Productions. "