Sir Lenny Henry is joining the cast of Broadchurch, it has been announced.

The actor will appear in the third and final series of the award-winning ITV crime drama, which started shooting today.

Details of the 57-year-old’s role have not been revealed.

David Tennant and Olivia Colman will reprise their roles as DI Alec Hardy and DS Ellie Miller, with Huddersfield actress Jodie Whittaker and Andrew Buchan returning to play Beth and Mark Latimer.

Arthur Darvill returns as local vicar Paul Coates while Carolyn Pickles will be back as newspaper editor Maggie Radcliffe.

Roy Hudd, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Georgina Campbell, Sarah Parish, Charlie Higson and Mark Bazeley will also join the cast for the eight-part series.

The new series will herald a brand new case for Miller and Hardy, with the detectives reuniting to investigate a serious sexual assault.

Julie Hesmondhalgh (left) and Sarah Parish are among the new cast announced for the third and final series of Broadchurch
Julie Hesmondhalgh (left) and Sarah Parish are among the new cast announced for the third and final series of Broadchurch

Creator Chris Chibnall said: “This is the final chapter of Broadchurch. We have one last story to tell, featuring both familiar faces and new characters.

“I hope it’s a compelling and emotional farewell to a world and show that means so much to me.”

The new series was commissioned by ITV’s former director of drama, Steve November, and controller of drama Victoria Fea.

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Fea said: “Broadchurch is as ever stylishly written, provocative and thought provoking.”

Executive producer Jane Featherstone said: “Broadchurch has been an important part of my life and I am so delighted and privileged to be working with Chris and the team again as we embark on the very final series.

“We will return to the town and characters we know so well as they find themselves caught up in a new and compelling story which will test the strength of the community and the people who live there, and will, I hope, be a fitting end to this trilogy.”