Former Paisley and Renfrewshire South MP Mhairi Black is set to make her television acting debut after being cast in the new BBC One legal drama Counsels.
Black, who previously served as the SNP’s deputy leader at Westminster, will take on the role of Detective Inspector Bridges in the eight-part series — her first television acting role. Filming is due to begin next week in Glasgow, with the series also to stream on BBC iPlayer.
She announced her departure from the SNP in July, saying there had been “too many times” when she disagreed with the party’s decisions — particularly on issues surrounding trans rights and Palestine.
Speaking about joining the show, Mhairi said: “I’m excited to be joining Counsels and look forward to getting stuck in to playing Detective Inspector Bridges. I’ve been relishing trying different things since politics, this is my first TV acting role and I really enjoyed auditioning for the part.
“To work on a series which is set and filmed in Glasgow is an amazing opportunity – what a brilliant show to be a part of.”
The ensemble are joined by an established cast including:
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Michelle Gomez (Doom Patrol, The Flight Attendant)
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Derek Riddell (Happy Valley, Industry)
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Laura Haddock (What It Feels Like For A Girl, The Recruit)
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Daniela Nardini (This Life, Sunset Song)
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Michael Nardone (Traces, The Night Manager)
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Sally Howitt (River City, Dinosaur)
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Stuart Bowman (Department Q, Only Child)
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Neshla Caplan (The Rig, Rebus)
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Stephen Purdon (River City, Sweet Sixteen)
The drama was created by Scottish writers Bryan Elsley – who co-created the E4 drama Skins – and Gillian McCormack, a graduate of the BBC Writers’ Drama Room.
Photo Credit: Mhairi Black