Best known for his roles in Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones's Diary and Notting Hill, Grant returns to television to play the shamed politician.

A Very English Scandal is based on the book by author John Preston, and is written by Russell T Davies (Doctor Who) and directed by Stephen Frears (Florence Foster Jenkins).

The drama was commissioned by Piers Wenger, who recently announced over 47 hours worth of drama for the BBC.

The drama is based on the true story of the first British politician to stand trial for conspiracy and incitement to murder. It's based in the late 1960s, where homosexuality has only just been decriminalised, and Thorpe has a secret he's desperate to hide.

As long as his ex-lover Norman Scott is alive, his career is at risk. In the end Thorpe sees only one way to silence Scott for good. 

The trial highlighted corruption so deep in the state that at the time hardly anyone believed it could be true.

Piers Wenger said: “Hugh Grant is an extraordinary actor and a worldwide star. I'm delighted that he is joining the BBC One family and I can't wait to see how he applies his unique talent bringing to life this mercurial role."

Producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins added: “Hugh is one our most iconic British actors; sharp, witty, deeply human and nuanced, and to have him play one of the most controversial figures of British politics is utterly thrilling. With Russell T Davies writing and Stephen Frears directing, A Very English Scandal unites the highest level of talent to bring this extraordinary true story to life.