Written by Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery (who will also appear on-screen),
Dodger takes place before the events of
Oliver Twist. The series follows the exploits of the cunning pickpocket, the Artful Dodger, and the other children working in Faginâs gang as they find ingenious ways to survive the grim and exploitative conditions of Victorian London.
âFagin is an iconic role; Iâm a very fortunate actor,â said Eccleston. âRhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery have taken Charles Dickensâ extraordinary characters and imagined a whole new world and lives for them. Iâm very, very excited.â
BBC
Rounding out the cast is Sam C Wilson as Bill Sikes, Tanya Reynolds as Queen Victoria, Frances Barber as theatrical dame Eliza Vestris, and Javone Prince as PC Blathers. Members of Faginâs gang will be played by newcomer Aabay Ali, Ellie-May Sheridan, Mila Lieu, and Connor Curren.
Comics also star in Dodger, out next year
Comics Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery are writing a new comedy-drama about the Artful Dodger’s life before meeting Oliver Twist.
Christopher Eccleston plays Fagin and David Threlfall will be chief of police, Sir Charles Rowan, in the new ten-part series Dodger, set to air next year on CBBC.
The broadcaster calls the show ‘a funny, optimistic, fast-paced comedy drama full of jeopardy’.
Montgomery appears as Fagin’s landlady, Minnie Bilge, while her husband, Thomas, plays an inept copper PC Duff. His partner PC Blathers is played by fellow comic Javone Prince.
Christopher Eccleston to star in BBC adaptation of Oliver Twist
Christopher Eccleston will play criminal organiser Fagin (Ian West/PA)
Christopher Eccleston is to star in a BBC adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist.
The former Doctor Who star, 57, will play criminal organiser Fagin in the series, which is titled Dodger.
Shameless star David Threlfall will play chief of police Sir Charles Rowan in the 10-part family drama, while Billy Jenkins and Saira Choudhry will also feature.
The series, which will appear on CBBC and BBC iPlayer, has been written by Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery, while Charlie Higson has also guest-written an episode.
Written by Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery (who will also appear on-screen),
Dodger takes place before the events of
Oliver Twist. The series follows the exploits of the cunning pickpocket, the Artful Dodger, and the other children working in Faginâs gang as they find ingenious ways to survive the grim and exploitative conditions of Victorian London.
âFagin is an iconic role; Iâm a very fortunate actor,â said Eccleston. âRhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery have taken Charles Dickensâ extraordinary characters and imagined a whole new world and lives for them. Iâm very, very excited.â
BBC
Rounding out the cast is Sam C Wilson as Bill Sikes, Tanya Reynolds as Queen Victoria, Frances Barber as theatrical dame Eliza Vestris, and Javone Prince as PC Blathers. Members of Faginâs gang will be played by newcomer Aabay Ali, Ellie-May Sheridan, Mila Lieu, and Connor Curren.