TWO top Scottish stars lead the cast currently filming scenes in Gourock for a TV thriller.

The Tele revealed earlier this week how camera crews had set up home in Trumpethill to film ‘The Victim’ – a four part BBC One series.

Producers have now announced that Trainspotting actress Kelly Macdonald and John Hannah, who starred in ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ and ‘The Mummy’ have lead roles in the series.

They have also revealed that the story is set in Greenock, as well as Edinburgh.

The legal thriller is an STV Production for BBC One and the story is told through the eyes of a plaintiff and the accused, with a twisting perspective on who is really ‘the victim’.

Rob Williams, the writer and creator, told the Tele: “It’s incredibly exciting for me to see the story being brought to life by such a talented cast and crew.

“I’m really grateful – and fortunate – to be working with people who care about the material as much as I do.”

In the series, Macdonald plays Anna Dean, the Edinburgh mother of a nine year old boy murdered 15 years ago by a then-13-year-old. 

Having campaigned to be told of the killer’s new identity and whereabouts, she is accused of revealing his new name online. 

Rising star James Harkness plays Craig Myers, a hard working family man from Greenock who becomes the victim of a vicious attack after being branded online as a notorious child murderer living under a new identity.

James said: “The character of Craig gives me a fantastic opportunity to play someone faced with incredible circumstances.

“I feel very lucky to be telling this story.”

The series opens on day one of a criminal trial and follows the legal proceedings in the present while also reaching back over the previous five months.

Viewers will also meet DI Steven Grover, played by Hannah, who is busy investigating the attack on Craig but who has his own demons to contend with. 

He said: “It is great to be back filming in Scotland, especially as Rob has delivered in DI Grover an exquisitely drawn character. On first appearance he seems pretty straightforward but I’m pleased to report that audiences will soon find out that this is far from the case.”

Along the way, new evidence will be revealed and long buried secrets unearthed as the story builds to a devastating climax and the truth is finally revealed.

Crews have taken over a house in Firth Crescent for filming, which has been going on all week, with street signs in the neighbourhood also covered over with new names such as Billerton Place.

The cast also includes Jamie Sives, Karla Crome, Ramon Tikaram, Cal MacAninch, Chloe Pirrie and Isis Hainsworth.
Producers are yet to confirm when the series will air.