Sean Bean will head a star-studded series of chilling TV crime dramas for Channel 4. 

Titled Red Riding, the three-part series is an adaptation of author David Peace’s cult trilogy of thrillers set in Yorkshire during the 1970s and 80s. 

Sean, who gained international fame with his appearance in the Lord of The Rings, will appear alongside last year’s BAFTA award winner Andrew Garfield (Boy A), David Morrissey (The Other Boleyn Girl, Blackpool) and Paddy Considine (Dead Man’s Shoes, The Bourne Ultimatum). 

Channel 4 has appointed three different directors to oversee each instalment, starting with Julian Jarrold, who was recently responsible for the remake of Brideshead Revisited and the TV version of the hit novel White Teeth. 

James Marsh, who directed the award-winning film Man on Wire, and Anand Tucker (Hilary & Jackie) are next to take on the role. 

Andrew Eaton, executive producer, said: “This is a gripping drama that takes a look at human nature in a time of uncertainty and a culture that has lost its moral compass.” 

Filming has begun around Bradford and the finished series is set to hit screens in Spring 2009.