BBC shares first look at new "high-stakes" Glasgow-set legal drama with Happy Valley star

The BBC has dropped a first look at new Glasgow-set legal drama Counsels. Described as "high-stakes", the story follows a group of lawyers in their 20s as their careers "finally become serious".

Among the ensemble is Happy Valley's Derek Riddell, Doctor Who's Michelle Gomez and The Recruit's Laura Haddock, who are seen in the new stills alongside the central group.

They include My Lady Grace's Brandon Grace as Jamie, Traces' Ro Kumar as Bav, Wind of Change's Eilidh Park as Nadine, The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of The Merlin's George Prentice as Alasdair, Last Light's Alyth Ross as Katie, Outlander: Blood of My Blood's Rebecca Bell as Karina.

Related: Best streaming services

The series "follows the lives of a group of twentysomething lawyers in Glasgow in the crucial moment when a few years out of university their careers finally become serious".

"Working across the legal landscape, whether as public prosecutors, slick representatives of glossier commercial interests or the shabby and good-hearted last resort of those with nothing left to lose, each one of them is out to win," the synopsis adds.

"They are colleagues jostling for promotion, lovers trying to hold onto one another as ambitions accelerate and pure adversaries professionally and personally. And now’s the time things are going to catch fire."

Other stars include This Life's Daniela Nardini, The Night Manager's Michael Nardone, River City's Sally Howitt and Stephen Purdon, Dept Q's Stuart Bowman and Rebus' Neshla Caplan.

Counsels comes from Gillian McCormack and Bryan Elsley, the latter previously saying: "I am delighted to be leading with Gillian McCormack on Counsels. 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."

Counsels will air on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Scotland in 2027.

Visit our Streaming Guide now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.

The new edition of Legends, a 100-page celebration of Dolly Parton's life, is here. Buy Dolly in newsagents or online.

Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International.  Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.