HALF MAN: FIRST LOOK AT NEW BBC DRAMA STARRING RICHARD GADD AND JAMIE BELL

The BBC has revealed first look pictures for Half Man, the original six-episode drama from the multi award-winning Richard Gadd (Baby Reindeer, Against The Law).

Gadd and BAFTA award-winning actor Jamie Bell (All of Us Strangers, Rocket Man) star as ‘brothers’ Ruben and Niall respectively. Today’s first look reveals the surprise reunion between Ruben and Niall after years of estrangement, leading to an explosion of violence that catapults us back through their lives over the course of the series.

Spanning almost 40 years from the 1980s to the present day, Mitchell Robertson (Curfew, Mayflies) and Stuart Campbell (SAS Rogue Heroes, The Winter King) play Niall (Robertson) and Ruben (Campbell) in their younger years.

Half Man explores the highs and lows of Ruben and Niall’s relationship, from meeting them as troubled teenagers to witnessing their falling out as adults – with all the good, bad, terrible, funny, angry, and challenging moments along the way. The series will capture the wild energy of a changing city – a changing world, even – and plumb the depths of what it means to be a man.

Previously announced as starring in the series are Neve McIntosh (Tin Star, Chemistry of Death) as Niall’s mother Lori, and Marianne McIvor (Screw, The Nest) as Ruben’s mother Maura. Rounding out the cast for Half Man are Charlie De Melo (Rivals), Bilal Hasna (The Agency), Julie Cullen (Traces), Amy Manson (The Nevers), Philippine Velge (The Serpent Queen), Stuart McQuarrie (The Rig), Piers Ewart (The Primrose Railway Children), Scot Greenan (T2 Trainspotting), and newcomers Charlotte Blackwood and Calum Manchip.

Richard Gadd, creator, writer and executive producer, says: “I am delighted to confirm I will be playing Ruben in the newly crowned Half Man for the BBC / HBO alongside the incomparable Jamie Bell. When I wrote the show, I did it with him in mind, never thinking for a second we would manage to land him...

"So I could not be happier for everything that has come to pass in getting him on board. He is one of the greatest actors of his generation and I am so looking forward to seeing what he does with the role. Thanks to all the staff at the BBC, HBO, and Mam Tor Productions for making it all happen. I cannot wait to work with you all in the months ahead.”

Jamie Bell says: “I’m so excited to join this incredible creative team. Richard has once again crafted something poignant and singular. I’m honored to have been asked to bring this to life with him.”

Tally Garner & Morven Reid from Mam Tor Productions say: “We are thrilled that the extraordinary talent that is Richard Gadd has agreed to play Ruben in Half Man, and are overjoyed to have found the perfect Niall in the exquisite Jamie Bell. We cannot wait to see these incredible actors spar, as they bring these complex, charismatic and mercurial men to life."

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, says: "It's been such a privilege to see Half Man take shape, and to know that cameras will be rolling soon. In Richard Gadd and Jamie Bell we have the perfect Ruben and Niall - two characters like no other, whose epic journey through the decades we can't wait to have on the BBC."

Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland, says: “Half Man is a brilliant example of BBC Scotland’s ambition to bring high quality drama, rooted in Scotland, to audiences in Scotland, the UK and the world. We’re delighted to be announcing this exciting casting news today and look forward to seeing Richard and Jamie bring these complex and powerful characters to life.”

Kara Buckley, Senior Vice President HBO Drama Programming, says: “Like so many others, we were wowed by Richard Gadd's acting prowess in ‘Baby Reindeer’, and have long admired Jamie Bell. We simply can’t think of a better duo to bring this powerful story to life.”

The series (6x45') is made by Mam Tor Productions for the BBC, BBC Scotland and HBO.