Serkis to film Dickensian drama

Serkis played Gollum in the film adaptation of Lord of the Rings

Filming for a TV series set in the 18th century and featuring Andy Serkis is to take place at a theme park celebrating the life of Charles Dickens.

The 13-part drama, entitled Newgate, is said to feature a Sopranos style storyline set in the London of 1720.

Filming is to start at Dickens World, Chatham, Kent, on 12 July. The filmmakers hope the series will be broadcast in 2009.

Serkis played Gollum in the film adaptation of Lord of the Rings.

The Sopranos was an award-winning US TV show that centred on the life of a dysfunctional mob family in New Jersey.

Dickens World opened in May 2007 on derelict dockland close to where the writer lived as a child.