Nesbitt to star in BBC Iraq drama

James Nesbitt is to star in the Iraq drama

James Nesbitt is to star in a major BBC drama about the war in Iraq, the broadcaster has announced.

The Coleraine-born actor plays a sergeant in Occupation, which follows three soldiers from the invasion of Basra in 2003 to the present.

The drama reveals how the lives of these three British men are shaped and transformed by their experiences.

The drama, written by Peter Bowker and made by Kudos Film, is being shot in Northern Ireland and Morocco.

Mr Nesbitt, who stars in Murphy's Law, plays Sergeant Mike Swift along with Stephen Graham, from This Is England, as Corporal Danny Peterson and Hollyoaks actor Warren Brown as Lance Corporal Lee Hibbs.

"I'm thrilled that we have cast two of the country's finest actors in James Nesbitt and Stephen Graham as the two more senior soldiers, it means that we are in very safe hands," Mr Bowker said.

"Both have the skill, the bravery and the emotional honesty to possess these characters and make them true."

Set in Basra, the drama explores the personal journeys of three friends from the same regiment, and how they are inspired to return to Basra for different reasons - one for financial gain, one for love, and the third because of his belief in the mission to rebuild the country.

The three-part drama, to be screened next year, explores how their different dreams come to define not just their lives but the war and the occupation itself.

The drama is set against the backdrop of growing sectarian conflict in Iraq, awash with billions of dollars from the USA, creating a boom time for private military companies.

Derek Wax, executive producer for Kudos, said Nesbitt and his colleagues bring "an essential honesty and humour to the piece".

"This is a fiercely compelling story spanning the aftermath of the most significant war in recent history, a war that leaves so many huge questions unanswered," he said.