'Stranger Things' Star Charlie Heaton To Lead New BBC Drama

'Stranger Things' star Charlie Heaton is to lead BBC One's new two-part drama 'The Elephant Man'.

Written by Neil McKay ('Moorside'), 'The Elephant Man' will follow the compelling and extraordinary life of Joseph Merrick (Heaton) from his working-class beginnings in Leicestershire, covering the true events of his personal odyssey, extreme courage, determination and human dignity despite challenges arising from his disability.

Charlie Heaton said: "I'm extremely excited and honoured to be given the opportunity to take on the portrayal of Joseph Merrick in the BBC's adaption of 'The Elephant Man'. This is such a special role and a challenge for any actor. Joseph has such an incredible story and I can't wait to go on this journey and bring him to life."

Elaine Pyke, Executive Producer for New Pictures, added: "It wasn't until we started the research that we realised there was such a rich story to tell about this wonderful man. Joseph's determination to be his own man, to earn a living, to find a sense of freedom and to express himself is inspiring to all. Neil McKay's beautiful script captures this extraordinary story and we are thrilled that Charlie Heaton is going to play Joseph."

Joseph Merrick has been the subject of many medical studies, documentaries and works of fiction. Born in Leicester in 1862, at the age of five years old he began to develop physical deformities to his skin, face, arms and feet. When he was 11 years old, his mother died from bronchopneumonia, his father soon remarried and by 17 he was a resident of the workhouse after his relationship with his father deteriorated. Seeking to escape the workhouse several years later, Merrick found his way into a human oddities show in London where he was exhibited as 'The Elephant Man'. He met Dr Frederick Treves in 1884, after he had witnessed Merrick being exhibited in a shop across the road from the London Hospital. Treves brought Merrick to the London Hospital where he lived until his death in 1890, aged 27.

The Elephant Man (2x90') is produced by New Pictures ('The Missing', 'Requiem', 'Indian Summers', 'The Innocents') for BBC One in association with all3media International. The series is directed by Richard Laxton ('Mum'). Executive producers are Elaine Pyke and Charlie Pattinson for New Pictures with Paul Unwin and Tommy Bulfin for BBC. Tom Mullens ('Poldark') is the series producer.

It was commissioned by Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, and Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content.

The series will be filmed in Wales. Additional casting will be announced in due course.

all3media international will handle international distribution.