Keeley Hawes to head cast of 'The Lady Vanishes' remake

Upstairs Downstairs actress Keeley Hawes is to lead the cast of a BBC remake of Alfred Hitchcock classic The Lady Vanishes.

The drama is being filmed for BBC1 to be screened at Christmas with Spooks star Gemma Jones and veteran actress Stephanie Cole - known for her roles in Coronation Street and Waiting For God - also taking roles.

The 90-minute mystery, based on the novel The Wheel Spins, is being made in Budapest.

The story sees young socialite Iris Carr - played by Tuppence Middleton - awaking after dozing on a train returning from the Balkans in 1931 to find one of her fellow passengers seems to have disappeared. She becomes convinced the woman has been abducted, much to the protestations of other travellers.

Also to feature in the film will be Julian Rhind-Tutt, who plays the husband of Hawes character Mrs Todhunter.

The Hitchcock film was released in 1938 and was one of his last films before heading to Hollywood. It was remade in 1979, but proved to be a commercial flop and the last film to be made by Hammer for three decades.

BBC Drama's controller of series and serials, Kate Harwood, said: "I am delighted with the incredible cast and crew we have assembled for the project. The Lady Vanishes will be a thrilling treat for BBC One audiences this Christmas."

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