David Tennant 'to star in US Broadchurch'

Tennant played Alec Hardy in ITV's Broadchurch alongside Olivia Colman's Ellie Miller

Britain's David Tennant is to reprise his detective role in the US version of ITV's hit murder mystery Broadchurch, according to reports.

The former Doctor Who star will reportedly adopt an American accent to play Alec Hardy, who investigates a tragic death in a small seaside town.

Dan Futterman and Anya Epstein will serve as executive producers alongside the series' creator, Chris Chibnall.

ITV has already commissioned a second series of the UK version.

Filming for the US adaptation will begin in January for broadcast on the Fox network during the 2014-2015 season.

The original, filmed in Dorset, in which Tennant co-stars alongside Olivia Colman, has just finished its US run on BBC America.

Tennant, 42, is currently preparing to play Richard II at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

He will also be seen alongside current Doctor Matt Smith in the 50th anniversary episode of Doctor Who on 23 November.

The Scottish-born star would not be the first British actor to recreate his role in a US incarnation of a UK drama.

Having appeared in the original version of crime thriller Low Winter Sun, Mark Strong subsequently went Stateside to star in the show's American remake.