Around the World in 80 Days: who is in cast of BBC One drama with David Tennant - trailer, plot, release date

Around the World in 80 Days, BBC One’s new drama starring David Tennant, is set to air on Boxing Day.

It’s an adaptation of a much-loved novel by Jules Verne, and it looks set to be an exciting family adventure series, perfect for the Christmas period.

Here’s everything you need to know about Around the World in 80 Days

What is it about and is it based on a book?

Around the World in 80 Days is about a globe-trotting adventure, as explorer Phileas Fogg tries to win a bet and prove that it’s possible to travel around the world and back again in just 80 days.

It’s based on a famous book by Jules Verne, the French novelist who also wrote Journey to the Centre of the Earth and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas. He’s often credited as one of the inventors of science fiction, alongside other authors such as HG Wells and Mary Shelley.

This series has been adapted by Ashley Pharoah, best known as the co-creator of BBC One crime drama Life on Mars.

Has it been adapted before?

Yes, a number of times – previous versions of Around the World in 80 Days include an Oscar-winning 1956 film starring David Niven, a 2004 film starring Jackie Chan and Steve Coogan, and a 1989 television miniseries starring Pierce Brosnan.

Who is in the cast?

David Tennant headlines the cast as adventurer Phileas Fogg. Tennant is best known for his role as the Tenth Doctor, though you might also recognise him from Broadchurch, Jessica Jones, or Staged.

He’s currently filming a second series of Good Omens, an adaptation of the book by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett.

The series also stars Leonie Benesch (Babylon Berlin, The Crown) as Abigail Fix and Ibrahim Koma (As Far as I Can Walk) as Passepartout, Fogg’s travelling companions on his international voyage.

The rest of the cast includes Jason Watkins (who previously starred with Tennant in Des), Peter Sullivan (Poldark), and Shivaani Ghai (Batwoman).

When is it on and how can I watch it?

Around the World in 80 Days starts on BBC One on Boxing Day at 5:50pm. Episodes will air in double bills weekly from then on.

In the US, Around the World in 80 Days will begin on PBS Masterpiece on 2 January.

Where can I see the trailer?

Right here! You can see Phileas Fogg make a bet that he can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days, and then quickly realise that’s going to be considerably more difficult than he thought.

Will there be a second series?

Yes, there will be – a second series of Around the World in 80 Days was confirmed in November 2021, before the first series had begun to air.

Why should I watch it?

Because it’s David Tennant once again starring in a family action-adventure series about a travelling adventurer on an exciting voyage with a pair of companions – you could say it’s just what the doctor ordered.

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