Stephen Merchant joins David Mitchell's BBC drama Ludwig

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 13:03 · Archive

Stephen Merchant has appeared in the BBC drama Ludwig, starring David Mitchell, playing a snooker player in the fourth episode of series two.

Stephen Merchant, the co-creator of The Office with Ricky Gervais, has appeared in a guest role on the BBC drama Ludwig. He played a snooker player in the fourth episode of series two, which was broadcast last month. Merchant said on Instagram: 'So much fun joining David Mitchell and the Ludwig team for an episode and getting to practise my snooker skills.'

Ludwig stars David Mitchell as John 'Ludwig' Taylor, a reclusive puzzle designer who assumes the identity of his missing twin brother, a detective chief inspector. The series features Motherland's Anna Maxwell Martin, with Fleabag star Sian Clifford and Scottish actor Mark Bonnar joining as regulars in series two.

The show has attracted significant viewership, with 9.1 million viewers for episode one of series two over 28 days, making it the biggest scripted launch of the year across broadcasters and streamers to date. A third series has already been commissioned. The BBC has confirmed a Christmas special is in the works, featuring David Suchet, best known for playing Hercule Poirot in Agatha Christie adaptations.

How it is being reported

• UK comedy legend's statement after joining hit David Mitchell BBC dramaThe hit BBC drama, which features Peep Show star David Mitchell, has seen a number of guest stars including the comedy legend.Oxford Mail · 14 Oct, 12:30
• UK comedy legend's statement after joining hit David Mitchell BBC dramaThe hit BBC drama, which features Peep Show star David Mitchell, has seen a number of guest stars including the comedy legend.Oxfordshire Guardian · 14 Oct, 12:30

In this story: Stephen Merchant · David Mitchell · BBC · Ricky Gervais · Anna Maxwell Martin · Sian Clifford · Mark Bonnar · David Suchet

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