Ben Whishaw has reportedly spoken to Norman Scott to prepare for his role in 'A Very English Scandal'.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw

The 'James Bond' actor will portray Scott in the new BBC drama, which is based on the book of the same name written by John Preston last year, and in a bid to get into character for the production the 37-year-old star has met with the former lover of the late Liberal party leader Jeremy Thorpe

because he likes to get "under the skin" of the person he is playing.

Speaking about the project to The Sun Online, a source said: "Ben is the kind of actor who really likes to get under the skin of a character, so the natural thing to do was to speak to Norman.

"He really wanted to get his side of his amazing story."

The miniseries will depict the story of the former Liberal party leader Jeremy Thorpe who was accused of conspiring to murder his former flame Scott during a time when homosexual relationships was illegal.

And the shows bosses have revealed getting the dark-haired star on board the project was a "dream come true", and screenwriter Russell T Davies has hailed Ben as one of the "finest actors" in the business.

Speaking previously, the creative mastermind said: "It's a dream come true, to work with Ben. One of Britain's finest actors playing one of history's most fascinating men."

The Controller of BBC Drama, Piers Wenger, is eager to see Ben star in the three-part drama, which will be produced by Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Graham Broadbent and Pete Czernin for Blueprint.

He said: "Ben Whishaw is an extraordinary actor and we are thrilled to announce he will star opposite Hugh Grant in this scandalous real-life story for BBC One. I cannot wait to see this first-class British duo bring Russell's powerful scripts to life."