First look image released of Martin Freeman in distinctive new BBC One Liverpool drama The Responder

The first image from original new BBC drama The Responder, one of the latest Liverpool productions to secure funding and support from the Liverpool Film Office through the LCR Production Fund, written by ex-police officer Tony Schumacher and made by Dancing Ledge Productions (The Salisbury Poisonings), has been released.

It features Martin Freeman (The Hobbit; Sherlock; Breeders; Fargo) in character as Chris, a crisis-stricken, morally compromised, unconventional urgent response officer tackling a series of night shifts on the beat in Liverpool.

Whilst trying to keep his head above water both personally and professionally, Chris is forced to take on a new rookie partner Rachel (Adelayo Adedayo). Both soon discover that survival in this high pressure, relentless, night-time world will depend on them either helping or destroying each other.

The Responder holds a mirror up to the emotional extremes of life on the front line of British policing – sometimes darkly funny, sometimes painfully tragic, always challenging.

Martin Freeman said: “Tony Schumacher’s scripts were so unique and honest that I knew very quickly that I wanted to be a part of The Responder and take on the role of Chris. No-one writes like Tony and it has been exhilarating inhabiting the world he has created.”

Tony Schumacher said: “My fantasy casting when I was writing the character of Chris in the Responder was Martin Freeman. Seeing that fantasy become reality is beyond exciting. Martin is one of the great British actors. He brings such a well of talent and humanity that breathes magic into the words I’ve been lucky enough to give him. I can’t wait for audiences to get to see his performance in this role, it’s one I feel very lucky to have had a front row seat for.”

Further casting includes Adelayo Adedayo (Unsaid Stories; Timewasters; The Capture), Ian Hart (Tin Star; The Last Kingdom; The Terror), MyAnna Buring (The Salisbury Poisonings; The Witcher; Ripper Street), Kerrie Hayes (Tin Star; The English Game; The Mill) and Warren Brown (Luther; Liar; Strike Back). David Bradley (Afterlife; Brittania; Broadchurch) and Rita Tushingham (Ridley Road; The Pale Horse; In The Flesh) will also take on roles alongside newcomers Josh Finan and Emily Fairn.

The Responder (5×60’) is written by Tony Schumacher, his first original series for television, and produced by Fremantle-backed Dancing Ledge Productions for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It is directed by Tim Mielants (The Terror; Legion; Peaky Blinders) and produced by Rebecca Ferguson (The Trial Of Christine Keeler; Cold Feet; Next Of Kin). Laurence Bowen and Chris Carey are executive producers for Dancing Ledge Productions and Mona Qureshi for the BBC. Dancing Ledge Productions work internationally with Fremantle, which has a minority stake in the company and is handling global distribution for the drama series.

The Responder has secured funding and support from the Liverpool Film Office through the LCR Production Fund.

Filming is taking place now in and around Liverpool City Region.