Hugh Laurie lands major role in starry new TV drama opposite Downton Abbey favourite

After reprising his role in The Night Manager earlier this year, Hugh Laurie has now joined the cast of an upcoming HBO drama, The Trial of Louise Woodward.

The true-crime series from creator Matthew Barry (The Guest) will star Catriona Chandler (Rivals) in the title role, while Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey), Meghann Fahy (Sirens), Sagar Radia (Industry) and Chloë Sevigny (The Five Star Weekend) are also in the cast.

The synopsis for the series says that it "tells the shocking true story of how, in 1997, an 18-year-old British au pair was accused of shaking to death a baby left in her care by her American host family, setting off an international media firestorm as the trial unfolds in full view of both the British and American public".

Laurie will be playing Judge Hiller B Zobel of the Massachusetts Superior Court, who presided over the trial.

When the series was first announced, Barry said in a statement: "The trial of Louise Woodward raised profound questions about childcare, working mothers, class and the role of an emerging 24/7 media.

"30 years later, those questions feel more urgent and relevant than ever. I’m grateful to be working with Susanne [Bier, director and executive producer] and our partners at HBO to bring this story, in all its complexity, to the screen."

The series is just one of a number of upcoming projects for Laurie. He will also be starring in a third season of The Night Manager, as well as another John le Carré adaptation, Legacy of Spies.

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The actor, who was first known for his comedy work in A Bit of Fry & Laurie, Jeeves and Wooster and Blackadder, will also be returning to the genre with Dig, a series in which he is starring alongside Amy Poehler.

The Trial of Louise Woodward will stream on HBO Max. Subscribe to HBO Max from £5.99 a month.

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Authors

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.