Benedict Cumberbatch will star in a Brexit drama for Channel 4 from Tessa Ross and Juliette Howell’s House Productions.

The Doctor Strange actor, currently starring in the Showtime and Sky drama Patrick Melrose, will front Brexit (working title), a political thriller written by playwright James Graham, best known for political plays such as The Vote and the recent Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? play Quiz.

Cumberbatch will star as Dominic Cummings, the leading strategist and Campaign Director of Vote Leave.

The one-off drama will unpack the anatomy of the historic, high-stakes campaign to win the hearts and minds of the British people and will be directed by Black Mirror’s Toby Haynes.

It was commissioned by C4’s Head of Drama Beth Willis and is exec produced by Howell and Ross and produced by Lynn Horsford. It will begin shooting later this year.

Graham says: “I’m so excited — not to mention a little nervous — to have this chance to try and get under the skin of what happened during that historic vote. I hope by going behind-the-scenes of the campaign, we’re able to interrogate the consequences of what happened during these eight weeks that have changed the country forever. To work with this incredible team and Channel 4 to bring this story to life on screen is a real honor.”

Willis adds: “James’ whip smart, funny and insightful writing is a breath of fresh air. We are so thrilled that he and the genius that is Benedict Cumberbatch feel Channel 4 is the right home for it – Brexit is exactly the kind of explosive and illuminating drama we want to have on the channel.”