Vicky McClure has said she is “really excited” about her role in forthcoming psychological thriller The Replacement.

The actress hailed the production, co-starring The A Word’s Morven Christie, as it commenced filming in Glasgow.

She said: “Joe Ahearne has written an incredibly complex and thrilling script. I’m really excited to play a role that is miles apart from previous characters. Looking forward to working with Morven and spending time in Glasgow.”

Award-winning actress Vicky McClure (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Award-winning actress Vicky McClure (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Vicky, lately seen as DC Kate Fleming in the BBC’s acclaimed police drama Line Of Duty, won a Bafta for her portrayal of This Is England’s plucky Frances Lorraine “Lol” Jenkins.

The Replacement, written and directed by Ahearne of Doctor Who and This Life fame, will be broadcast on BBC One.

Morven, who has also appeared in Doctor Who, spoke warmly about the writer.

Adrian Dunbar, Martin Compston and Vicky McClure in Line of Duty (Steffan Hill/BBC/World Productions)
Adrian Dunbar, Martin Compston and Vicky McClure in Line of Duty (Steffan Hill/BBC/World Productions)

She said: “Joe’s scripts are full of tension and it’s a genuine thrill to be given the opportunity not only to play this deliciously rich character, but to do so in my home town, with this extraordinary cast.”

Morven continued: “I feel so honoured to be part of this wonderful team, bringing this complex and compelling script to life.”

The Replacement revolves around the darker side of working women, motherhood and the issues that arise from making “the right choice”.

Morven Christie (Ian West/PA)
Morven Christie (Ian West/PA)

When successful architect Ellen (Christie) becomes pregnant in her mid-thirties, she finds maternity cover in Paula (McClure) who is described as “brilliant and enthusiastic”.

Ellen wants to champion her, but something is not right. She begins to fear for her safety when she suspects her replacement Paula has a disturbing agenda.

The Replacement will also star Richard Rankin, Dougray Scott, Neve McIntosh, Navin Chowdhry and Siobhan Redmond.