Sherlock’s Rupert Graves joins Last Tango in Halifax cast

The actor will play Gary Jackson in the third series of the popular drama

Rupert Graves as DI Lestrade in Sherlock (BBC)

Rupert Graves, star of Sherlock, is set to join the cast of Bafta award-winning drama Last Tango in Halifax.

The British actor, who last summer appeared in historical drama The White Queen, will play Gary Jackson in the third series of the show about romance in later life.

The second series, which aired on BBC One last year, regularly attracted more than seven million viewers; production for the third instalment is currently underway in various locations around the north of England.

Derek Jacobi and Anne Reid are to return as newlyweds Alan and Celia, but reality is about to kick in with a blast from Alan’s past.

Nicola Walker again plays Alan’s daughter Gillian, who goes on a date with Graves’ character, while Sarah Lancashire will revive her role as Celia’s daughter Caroline, for which she scooped at the Best Supporting Actress award at this year’s Baftas.

Other familiar faces include Tony Gardner, Dean Andrews and Nina Sosanya.

Writer Sally Wainwright said: “I'm thrilled that we're going into a third series with really exciting new story lines that move Celia and Alan's relationship forward with hopefully the same mix of gusto, comedy and drama.”

Nicola Shindler, executive producer and founder of RED production company, added: “We’re so excited to get everyone back together for the third series of our multi-award winning show and we’re thrilled Rupert’s joined our stellar cast.

“The continued support and success of this much-loved drama is testament to Sally’s warm and sincere scripts and we can’t wait to show fans what we have in store for the new series.”