Juliet Stevenson to star in BBC's Greek myths drama Atlantis

Actress Juliet Stevenson to star in Greek myths and legends drama Atlantis (Getty Images)

Mark Addy and Juliet Stevenson are to head the cast of BBC1's family fantasy series Atlantis, which is to be screened later this year.

The show - which also features former Cutting It actress Sarah Parish - is expected to be screened as a new Saturday night attraction in the wake of popular series Merlin ending.

The 13-part drama series will be set around the great lost city and will re-imagine the wealth of Greek myths and legends.

Addy, who starred in The Full Monty and played Fred Flintstone in a Hollywood version of the children's cartoon series The Flintstones, said: "The scripts bring to life ancient myths with such a vibrancy and sense of humour - I knew I wanted to be a part of it."

Stage and screen star Stevenson said: "This genre is new to me, so I am looking forward to a great adventure."

Also appearing in the series are Jemima Rooper - known to viewers for TV's Hex and Lost In Austen - as well as Robert Emms, Aiysha Hart and Jack Donnelly.

The programme team is constructing the set for the city at sites in Wales and Morocco, and filming is due to begin next month.

BBC drama boss Ben Stephenson said: "Some of the UK's best loved actors are joining our newest talent to take the BBC1 audience to a rich and wonderful world where any adventure is possible."

PA