Jim Broadbent is to star in Exile alongside John Simm

A TV thriller starring Jim Broadbent and John Simm as a father and son caught up in a mind-blowing scandal is due on our screens next year after filming for the series started.

Exile, a psychological drama for BBC One, follows London journalist Tom, played by Doctor Who actor Simm, as he returns home to be reunited with his father, veteran actor Broadbent, a once-formidable man now in the grip of Alzheimer’s.

Both their lives are changed forever as Tom seeks to uncover the truth behind events that happened 18 years ago.

Filming for the three-part thriller started today in Manchester, with Simm hailing the script by Shameless writer Danny Brocklehurst “great”, with a “wonderful cast”.

Ben Stephenson, controller of BBC Drama Commissioning, said: “This intimate portrayal of a father and son’s relationship has been beautifully written by Danny Brocklehurst – a moving and shocking script that will be a real treat for BBC One viewers.”

Executive producer Nicola Shindler added that Exile was a hugely exciting project to be making for BBC One.

“The combination of intense thriller and beautifully observed family relationships and the chance to work with two of Britain’s best actors is a rare opportunity,” she said.

Peep Show’s Olivia Coleman, and actors Shaun Dooley, Timothy West and Claire Goose will also star in Exile, produced by AbbottVision and Red Production Company.

The drama will be directed by John Alexander, who previously directed Sense And Sensibility, and produced by Karen Lewis, whose work includes Unforgiven and The Chatterley Affair.

The executive producers are Nicola Shindler and Paul Abbott and the BBC executive producer is Sarah Brandist.