- Tim Kring (Heroes) has a new TV project in development called DIG, which will star Jason Isaacs (Awake). Kring's output since Heroes season 1 has been shaky at best (anyone remember Touch?), but he's partnered with Gideon Raff (originator of Homeland, who adapted it with Howard Gordon, who earlier worked with Kring on Strange World in 1999). Dig is one of those "event series", containing just six episodes, and concerns a FBI agent (Isaacs) investigating a female archaeologist's murder in Jerusalem, only to uncover a 2000-year-old conspiracy. The show will debut on the USA Network later this year. [via TVLine]
- Richard E. Grant is joining DOWNTON ABBEY for its fifth series, playing a guest called Simon Bricker. Grant previously appeared in creator Julian Fellowes' film drama Gosford Park. Anna Chancellor (The Hour) is also appearing as Lady Anstruther, together with Rade Sherbedgia (Taken 2) as a Russian refugee called Kuragin. Filming began a few days ago, aiming for an autumn return of eight episodes and another Christmas special. [via DigitalSpy]
- BBC2 are making five-part thriller called LONDON SPY (created by Child 44 author Tom Rob Smith) about a man called Danny who becomes embroiled in the world of espionage—possibly because of the close proximity between HQ of the Secret Intelligence Service and the gay clubbing scene he's part of. Working Title are behind the show, which should premiere next year. [via DigitalSpy]
- If you enjoyed the BBC's period gangster drama PEAKY BLINDERS, starring Cillian Murphy and Sam Neill, you'll be pleased to know that Tom Hardy (Inception, Dark Knight Rises) has joined the cast as a "charismatic leader to presents a unique opportunity to [Murphy's character] Tommy Shelby." Filming begins later this month for an autumn return. [via The Guardian]
