Tall Story Pictures and ITV Announce Casting for The Man

Tall Story Pictures and ITV today announced further casting on The Man as principle photography commences on Mike Bartlett's (Press, Trauma, Doctor Foster) new three-part drama.

Already confirmed to star is Ken Nwosu (Christopher Robin, Killing Eve) in the lead role of Thomas Benson. Joining Nwosu are Ben Miller (Johnny English Strikes Back, Paddington 2), Sean Sagar (Our Girl, Top Boy), Susannah Fielding (This Time With Alan Partridge, Black Mirror), Gwilym Lee (Bohemian Rhapsody, Jamestown), Phoebe Nicholls (Downton Abbey, Fortitude), Ritu Ayra (Humans, The Good Karma Hospital), Alexandra Roach (Black Mirror, No Offence), Michael Cochrane (The Archers) and Debbie Chazen (Sherlock, Doctor Who). This contemporary workplace drama will be directed by Julia Ford (Safe) and produced by Colin Wratten (The Witness for the Prosecution, Killing Eve).

The three-part psychological drama explores the corrosive effects of bullying. Set against the backdrop of the competitive world of middle management in a business park in Reading, The Man centers on the personal and professional life of Thomas Benson; a hard-working father and husband. Reliant on bonuses and winning pitches, Benson often finds himself leading the team when trying to win new business. When he freezes during a pitch the fall out is monumental.

Determined to win back the client Thomas goes to increasingly desperate lengths to remain successful. But as he does, he begins to feel undermined, under attack and out of control. Has he lost his confidence or is his own team, and maybe the wider world, now out to get him?

Executive Producer, Catherine Oldfield, said, "Mike has created a fantastically taut, contemporary thriller about bullying and Julia (Ford) has assembled a hugely talented cast headed up by Ken Nwosu. Given the current climate, it feels exactly the right time to explore something that affects so many people."

ITV's Head of Drama, Polly Hill said, "The Man is another gripping story by Mike, that explores the complex subject of workplace bullying. It brilliantly moves between being very funny to very painful, and will have viewers hooked. I am also delighted that the very talented Ken Nwosu is playing Thomas and that Julia Ford is directing. Together with Tall Story Pictures, this is a fantastic team that promises to make an unmissable drama."

The Man is a Tall Story Pictures production for ITV. Catherine Oldfield (Trauma, Tutankhamun) will executive produce the new series alongside Mike Bartlett. The Man has been commissioned for ITV by Head of Drama, Polly Hill. ITV Studios Global Entertainment is handling international distribution. Tall Story Pictures is part of ITV Studios.