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Dougray Scott, Joely Richardson, Brian Cox, Vanessa Redgrave, Eddie Izzard and Jason Priestley star in The Day Of The Triffids, written by Patrick Harbinson (ER, Law & Order).

This epic, apocalyptic and futuristic two-part drama is a co-production between Power and Canadian producer Prodigy Pictures for ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One.

Currently in production for transmission later this year, this exciting, fast-paced drama is based on John Wyndham's best-selling post-apocalyptic novel, The Day Of The Triffids, published in 1951.

In the not too distant future, man's search for an alternative fuel supply leads him to uncover the ominous Triffid, a crop now cultivated for its fuel that seems to have a life of its own.

But when spectators gather worldwide for a much anticipated solar storm, billions are left blinded and the few sighted survivors watch as society collapses into chaos.

The Triffids, meanwhile, find their way out of captivity. Free to roam the planet with a fatal sting, and a retributive taste for human flesh, the Triffids begin rapid breeding.

Now Dr Bill Masen (Dougray Scott) must lead the brave in their epic battle against the Triffids' reign of terror in what could be the last days of mankind.

Justin Bodle, Executive Producer, Power says: "We are enormously excited to have secured this stellar cast for The Day Of The Triffids. Together with its amazing effects and iconic locations, it will deliver the drama mini-series event of 2009."

Julie Gardner, Head of Drama, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Wales, adds: "The incredible cast lined-up for The Day Of The Triffids is testament to the quality of Patrick Harbinson's script. We hope audiences, both old and new, will be captivated by this modern take of John Wyndham's classic best-selling novel."

The confirmed cast list includes: Dougray Scott as Bill Masen; Joely Richardson as Jo Playton; Brian Cox as Dennis Masen; Vanessa Redgrave as Durrant; Eddie Izzard as Torrence and Jason Priestley as Coker.

Filming in the South-East of England until April for transmission later this year, The Day Of The Triffids is a Power production for ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One.

The Executive Producer is Justin Bodle (Power); Stephen Smallwood is the producer (Murphy's Law) and the director is Nick Copus (The Summit, EastEnders).

Further Executive Producers are Jay Firestone (Prodigy Pictures) and Julie Gardner (³ÉÈËÂÛ̳).

The Day Of The Triffids is part of the broad mix of dramas commissioned for ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One for transmission in 2009 which includes Occupation, Small Island, Emma and Sherlock.

The Day Of The Triffids is also being shown on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ HD – the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳'s High Definition channel available through Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media. With up to five times more detail than standard definition television, HD gives you exceptionally vivid colours and crisp pictures to make The Day Of The Triffids a truly cinematic TV experience.

Notes to Editors

The Day of The Triffids was adapted by ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio in 1953, 1957 and 1968.

A ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Television production followed in 1981, starring John Duttine as Bill Masen; repeated on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Four in 2006/7.

In 2001 writer Lance Dann adapted the series in two hour-long episodes for the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ World Service.

AF