Cast announced for new BBC legal drama set in Glasgow

The new series about young lawyers stars Rebecca Bell, Brandon Grace, Eilidh Park, Alyth Ross, Ro Kumar and George Prentice

The BBC has announced the cast for its new legal drama Counsels, which is set in Glasgow.

The eight-part series stars Brandon Grace, Ro Kumar, Eilidh Park, George Prentice, Alyth Ross and Rebecca Bell, who all play young lawyers trying to navigate their complex and messy lives at a time when their careers turn serious.

Having trained together at an elite law school, the characters are now scattered across the profession and find themselves facing each other in court.

It 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.

Elsley, who also wrote the BBC adaptation of Iain Banks' The Crow Road, said he was delighted to be leading the series with McCormack.

He said: "We look forward to introducing a galaxy of Scottish acting, writing and directing talent to our audience.

"Set entirely in Glasgow, we hope to bring the city vividly to life and fill it with arresting stories and characters."

'Phenomenal cast'

McCormack added: "It's been amazing to work with Bryan and see our incredible crew and phenomenal cast come together.

"Developing our characters and their worlds has been a brilliant experience and I can't wait to share their stories set against the backdrop of the dynamic, exciting and contemporary city of Glasgow, of which I am hugely proud."

The ensemble are joined by an established cast including:

• Michelle Gomez (Doom Patrol, The Flight Attendant)

• Derek Riddell (Happy Valley, Industry)

• Laura Haddock (What It Feels Like For A Girl, The Recruit)

• Daniela Nardini (This Life, Sunset Song)

• Michael Nardone (Traces, The Night Manager)

• Sally Howitt (River City, Dinosaur)

• Stuart Bowman (Department Q, Only Child)

• Neshla Caplan (The Rig, Rebus)

• Stephen Purdon (River City, Sweet Sixteen)

Filming for Counsels is under way in Glasgow.

It is being made by Balloon Entertainment for BBC iPlayer, BBC One and BBC Scotland.