A THIS Is England star looks unrecognisable in the first look pictures at new BBC drama The Gallows Pole.
The three-part series is based on the book by Benjamin Myers, and sees Shane Meadows fictionalise the remarkable true story of the rise of David Hartley and the Cragg Vale Coiners.
Set in the moorland hills of 18th Century Yorkshire, the drama follows the enigmatic David Hartley as he assembles a gang of weavers and land-workers to embark upon a revolutionary criminal enterprise that will capsize the economy and become the biggest fraud in British history.
Actor Michael Socha plays David, and looks worlds away from his role as Harvey in the This is England film and subsequent TV series.
While Harvey had short cropped hair bleached blonde on the top, Michael looks totally different as David with a full, dark beard and hair.
Michael reunites with his This is England co-star Thomas Turgoose in the drama, with him playing William Hartley.
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The cast also includes Sophie McShera as Grace, Yusra Warsama as Bethsheba, Anthony Welsh as Abe Oldfield, Samuel Edward-Cook as Isaac Hartley, Joe Sproulle as Joe, and Adam Fogerty as James Broadbent.
Former Hollyoaks star Nicole Barber-Lane plays Susie, Fine Time Fontayne portrays Joseph Broadbent, and Peaky Blinders' Ralph Ineson is The Clothier.
Speaking about the BBC drama, writer Shane Meadows said: “I really wanted to delve into the history of this story and the circumstances that lead to an entire West Yorkshire community risking their lives to put food in their children’s bellies.
"It was during the workshopping process with the actors I realised there was also a story to tell leading up to Ben’s incredible book.
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"A prequel that not only allowed us to understand ‘why’ the Cragg Vale Coiners did what they did, but maybe fall in love with them a smidge while they did it.
"It may have turned into one of the biggest crimes in British history, but it was pulled off by a bunch of destitute farmers and weavers doing what they had to to survive, and I think people will resonate with that."
He continued: "You can tell a story in any century if you care about the characters, but there was something so attractive about this period in British history.
"Large mouthfuls of West Yorkshire were about to be inhaled by the Industrial Revolution and our country and its unspoilt sides set to change forever.
"So it was an honour to be able to go back and hold up a magnifying glass to some of dudes that were living through it.
"Marry that with a cast that pitches some of the UK’s finest actors alongside an awesome array of brand spanking new Yorkshire talent and you have a series unlike anything else I’ve made before.”
The Gallows Pole is coming soon to BBC Two and iPlayer.
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