Tom Hughes – the German hubby of the young British monarch in ITV’s Victoria – is set to star in a new BBC2 revenge drama called Paula, alongside Olivier Award-winning actress Denise Gough.

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So, Paula: what’s it about? A Chemistry teacher (Paula, played by Gough) has to deal with life after her one-night-stand with a good looking but dangerous ducker and diver (yup, that’s Hughes). Although there’s an instant spark of animalistic attraction, the two soon become locked in mutual self-destruction.

And just in case you didn’t think that sounded dark enough, the synopsis adds, “Only one can survive” and “their actions will take a terrifying toll on all those around them.” Ominous.

Irish playwright and director Conor McPherson, who’s worked with Gough before, has penned the three-part series, his television first. He said: “Exploring new ways to tell stories is always an inspiring challenge and the opportunity to weave a drama across three evenings is one I have enjoyed immensely.”

Denise Gough said: “Having worked with Conor McPherson on stage I am so excited to work with him again on this amazing project. Paula is a brilliantly complex woman and I can't wait to play her.”

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Owen McDonnell (Spooks) will also star in the three-part drama directed by Alex Holmes (Coalition).

Paula is being produced made by BBC Nothern Ireland alongside Cuba Pictures (the team behind Channel 4’s Coalition and BAFTA-winning Boy A) for BBC2.

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The filming begins in Belfast in October. But until Hughes makes an appearance in Paula, you can see him in the penultimate episode of Victoria this Sunday, ITV, 8pm.

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