Star is set to be Quite Ugly One Morning in TV drama

COLD Feet star James Nesbitt has been signed up to play a Scots journalist in a TV drama to be shot in the Capital.

The Irish actor will star in the adaptation of Scottish crime writer Christopher Brookmyre’s debut novel Quite Ugly One Morning.

The 39-year-old is to play Jack Parlabane, a hardened reporter who stumbles on his neighbour’s mutilated corpse and becomes prime suspect in the murder.

The book is being adapted for television in a one-off special by Scots actor John Hannah’s production company, Clerkenwell Films, which previously filmed Ian Rankin’s Inspector Rebus series.

Nesbitt is best known for his performances in Cold Feet, in which he played tragic Adam, and other TV shows Bloody Sunday and Murphy’s Law.

The author, who is currently publicising his newest novel, Be My Enemy, said today: "I think James Nesbitt is perfect to play Parlabane. I am really thrilled. I am flabbergasted it’s finally coming off as I know John Hannah and producer Murray Ferguson have battled hard for six years to make it happen."

Scots actor Dougie Henshall had been tipped to play the part of Parlabane but lost out after ITV bosses asked for James Nesbitt.