Jenna Coleman has landed a new role in the forthcoming Netflix and BBC One drama The Serpent.

The Doctor Who and Victoria actress will play Marie-Andrée Leclerc, the partner and frequent accomplice of suspected serial killer Charles Sobhraj (Tahar Rahim) in the eight-part series.

The show will see Sobhraj chased by junior diplomat Herman Knippenberg (Billy Howle) across the Hippie Trail, as Knippenberg seeks to bring Sobhraj to justice for his terrible crimes.

Sobhraj was the chief suspect in the unsolved murders of up to 20 young Western travellers across India, Thailand and Nepal through 1975 and 1976.

Tahar Rahim will play Sobhraj, while Billy Howle and Ellie Bamber join the cast as Herman and Angela Knippenberg respectively.

Manuel Romano Getty Images

Related: Victoria star Jenna Coleman reveals what she stole from Doctor Who

"The Serpent intoxicated me into the dark seductive world of Charles Sobhraj," Jenna said.

"I'm so looking forward to delving into hippie trail depths and bringing to life this unfathomable real life story alongside Tahar, Billy, Ellie, Tom, Richard and the wonderful cast and production team for the BBC and Netflix."

The Serpent will be produced by Mammoth Screen (Poldark, World On Fire) and is a co-production between BBC One and Netflix.

It has been written by Richard Warlow (Ripper Street) and Toby Finlay (Ripper Street) and directed by Tom Shankland (Les Misérables).

Synchronicity Films Ltd/Lachlan Moore

Related: Jenna Coleman reveals why she almost turned down BBC One's The Cry

Jenna's casting follows her leading BBC crime adaptation The Cry last year.

It also follows her hinting that her role as Victoria in the hit ITV period drama of the same name could be recast.

The Serpent will air on BBC One and Netflix.

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