The Stage

Glenister and Crook to star in ITV vampire drama

Published Thursday 14 February 2008 at 11:20 by Matthew Hemley

Philip Glenister is to play a vampire slayer in a modern-day version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula set in London.

The Life on Mars actor will take the role of Rupert Galvin in the six-part series, currently labelled the “untitled Van Helsing project” by ITV, which will also star Mackenzie Crook as a vampire and Holliday Grainger.

Glenister’s character is described as a “larger than life American” who has a “zero tolerance to the rabble of mythical half-life entities that exist all around us”.

The story will focus on his relationship with his godson Luke, played by Christian Cooke, who is the last descendent of the Van Helsing line.

It is being made for ITV1 by Shine, the company founded by Elisabeth Murdoch, which has produced shows including Sugar Rush and Sinchronicity.

Producer Johnny Capps said: “We’re excited for the opportunity to be working with Laura Mackie and her drama team and to be making a primetime series for ITV, our first here at Shine.”