Matthew Rhys to lead BBC One's new drama Dragon Slayers

He'll play the former editor of The Sunday Times, Harry Evans.

BBC One has announced a new six-part factual drama, Dragon Slayers, which explores the work of Sir Harry Evans, played by Matthew Rhys, the former editor of The Sunday Times, whose Insight team became a byword for investigative journalism and broke some of the biggest stories in UK history.

On taking on the role, Matthew Rhys said "At a time when stories of this nature are imperative, I am thrilled to be a part of this show."

Harry’s Insight team took on powerful corporations, the legal establishment and often the Government itself. Their commitment was to the readers of the newspaper and to the truth – often hidden, and sometimes dangerous to find.

They fought for the victims of Thalidomide, unmasking the cover-ups that kept the public in the dark about the scandal, they worked to uncover the truth behind the DC-10 crash – then the world's worst air disaster, and they faced down treason charges in exposing Kim Philby as one of the most successful spies of the 20th century.

Set in the 1970s, Dragon Slayers will be based on wide-ranging research, published accounts and interviews with those who knew and worked with Harry – including his widow, editor, author and journalist Tina Brown CBE, and the Evans family.

Speaking about Dragon Slayers, writer Peter Bowker said "Telling the story of Harry Evans and the work of his Insight team is both a privilege and a joy. And having Matthew leading the cast is more than we could have hoped for."

"All of us are now united by a desire to honour the passion, doggedness and humour of this remarkable group of people. I hope the drama will make us take a fresh look at both journalism and that much maligned decade - the 1970s."

To which the BBC's Director of Drama Lindsay Salt, added "Dragon Slayers is a rollercoaster story, each episode gripping and powerful, written with Pete Bowker’s signature wit and sense of purpose. The investigative stories which were broken by Harry and his team carry as much power and purpose today as they did at the time. It’s a real coup that the wonderful Matthew Rhys will star as the iconic Harry Evans."

And Harry's widow, editor, author and journalist Tina Brown CBE, added "I could not be more thrilled that such a talented and creative team has come together to bring to the screen some of Harry’s most inspiring journalistic achievements at the Sunday Times, and that the brilliant and versatile Matthew Rhys will be playing him."

Produced by AC Chapter One and co-produced by Universal International Studios, Dragon Slayers is written by Peter Bowker and Annalisa Dinnella, directed by Al Mackay, produced by Natasha Romaniuk, and executive produced by Peter Bowker, Patrick Spence, Matthew Rhys and Joe Williams. Casting director is Shaheen Baig.

Speaking about Dragon Slayers, Patrick Spence, Managing Director, AC Chapter One, said "The generational impact of Harry and his magnificent team acts as a powerful reminder of how much democracy relies on a fearless press, and what would happen if they could no longer shed light where it is most needed."

Dragon Slayers will air on BBC One