Hugh Laurie is to star in a new BBC political thriller.

Hugh Laurie

Hugh Laurie

The 'Night Manager' actor will play Conservative minister Peter Laurence in four-part drama 'Roadkill', which has been written by David Hare, and the scribe is looking forward to reuniting with the 'House' star.

He said: "I first worked with Hugh Laurie in 1987 when he set off on his riveting change of direction from adroit comedian to commanding dramatic actor.

"I can't wait to see him embody the fictional future of the Conservative party in 'Roadkill'."

The thriller will focus on charismatic and self-made Peter's public and private lives, which are both falling to pieces.

With others plotting to bring him down, he goes all out attack and is not troubled by guilt or remorse.

But he, like the country, will struggle to leave past events behind.

Piers Wenger, controller of BBC Drama, said: "'Roadkill is a thriller which explores the relationship between personal morality and political power.

"Hugh Laurie is an incredible actor who will play this fictional role with utter conviction, and it is a great honour to work once again with David Hare and The Forge to bring this brilliantly sharp and funny drama to BBC One."

Michael Keillor is set to direct the thriller and act as an executive producer alongside David, George Faber, Mark Pybus, and Lucy Richer.

Hugh previously starred as arms dealer Richard Onslow Roper in BBC thriller 'The Night Manager' in 2016, alongside Tom Hiddleston, Olivia Colman, Tom Hollander and David Harewood.