Death in Paradise star lands new role after heartbreaking exit from BBC spin-off

Former Doctor Who actor Peter Davison has been cast in a new BBC drama, written by Happy Valley creator Sally Wainwright, which will see him star alongside a famous actress

Peter Davison, known for his roles in Beyond Paradise and Death in Paradise, has secured a part in a fresh BBC drama. Pete's latest role was in Beyond Paradise, where he portrayed Richard Baxter, the love interest of Anne Lloyd (played by Barbara Flynn).

His stint was brief, however, as he made a quick departure after Anne discovered his character was married. The Doctor Who actor has also appeared in Death in Paradise alongside Kris Marshall, where he played a red herring.

It has now been disclosed that Pete will join an all-star cast in a new BBC drama titled Riot Women, penned by Happy Valley creator Sally Wainwright.

The leading cast and the Riot Women band include Joanna Scanlan as Beth, Rosalie Craig as Kitty, Tamsin Greig as Holly, Lorraine Ashbourne as Jess, and Amelia Bullmore as Yvonne. Anne Reid will portray Nancy, the mother of Holly and Yvonne, with Sue Johnston as Jess's Aunt Mary.

Peter's role in the new series is yet to be revealed, but he will be joined by fellow actors Claire Skinner and Angel Coulby, reports the Express.

The synopsis for the new show states: "In Riot Women, we dive headfirst into the world of five women who, along with two riotous backing singers, come together to create a makeshift punk-rock band in order to enter a local talent contest, but in writing their first original song, soon discover that they have a lot to say - and this is their way to say it.

"As they juggle demanding jobs, grown-up children, complicated parents, husbands who've buggered off, and disastrous dates and relationships, the band becomes a catalyst for change in their lives, and it's going to make them question everything.

"The six-part series is a testament to the power of friendship, music, and the resilience of women who refuse to be silenced by age or expectation.

"As the story (set in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire) progresses, it's more than music that binds them; a deeply potent, long-buried secret begins to surface one that unexpectedly entangles Kitty and Beth, the two unlikely creative masterminds behind the band, in a complex triangle - and threatens to tear everything apart."

Other big names featuring in the BBC drama include Taj Atwal from Line of Duty, Holby City's Chandeep Uppal, and Amit Shah from Happy Valley.

Rick Warden (Red Eye), Ben Batt (Domina), Natalia Tena (Harry Potter), Melanie La Barrie (and Juliet), Oliver Huntingdon (Sherwood), Richard Fleeshman (The Sandman), Olwen May (A Very British Scandal), Kevin Doyle (Downton Abbey) and Nicholas Gleaves (Bodyguard) are set to appear.

Sally Wainwright, the illustrious creator, writer, and executive producer of the upcoming show, expressed her enthralling excitement: "I think I am more excited about this than anything else I have ever written. Ever. Oh my God. We have five of the most fabulous actresses on the planet playing the Riot Women. It's scarily exciting."

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, expressed her excitement about the upcoming series: "We can't wait for viewers to meet the Riot Women when they arrive on the BBC next year. Sally's scripts are magnificent even by her standards, and it's no surprise that they've attracted such a stellar cast to bring this one-of-a-kind band and their vibrant world to life."