We first told you that BBC America had given the series green light to novel-based Intruders back in October when it was announced as an original series. I am a huge fan of BBC America original series, as they are nearly always excellent in every way, the beloved Orphan Black being a strong recent example.

The good news continues this month with the announcement that the lead role has been filled by John Simm, whom most of us recognize as The Master during David Tennant‘s tenure as Doctor Who. The only slight tinge of disappointment comes with the recognition that he will most likely be sporting an American accent, as he will be playing a Los Angeles-based detective.

It’s interesting to note that, when the series was first announced, there was a great deal of emphasis on the sci-fi aspect of the series. Now they would almost have us believe that it’s a detective story, were it not for the brief use of the word “paranormal” in the description.

Still, I’m over the moon about it, especially given that John Simm will be playing the lead. Here’s the announcement:

John Simm Announced as Lead in BBC AMERICA’s Original Series Intruders

Eduardo Sanchez and Daniel Stamm set to direct the eight-part thriller

Pasadena – Acclaimed British actor John Simm will lead the cast of BBC AMERICA’s new original series Intruders produced by BBC Worldwide Productions. From writer and executive producer Glen Morgan (The X-Files) and based on Michael Marshall Smith’s novel ‘The Intruders’, the series is a contemporary, chilling, paranormal drama set in the moody Pacific Northwest. As strange, apparently unrelated events start happening, multiple story-lines – a missing wife, an assassin covering his crimes, a child on the run – begin to intertwine to reveal a conspiracy that will forever change our understanding of human nature. The casting marks Simm’s return to BBC AMERICA where he starred in hit series Life on Mars, State of Play and Doctor Who.

Eduardo Sanchez (Blair Witch Project, Exists) and Daniel Stamm (13 Sins, The Last Exorcism) have been tapped to direct the series, which is executive produced by Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner for BBC Worldwide Productions and begins production this winter.

Simm stars as Jack Whelan, a Los Angeles cop turned writer who has escaped a dark, violent past for a seemingly quiet life with his wife, Amy. When Amy goes missing, Jack is plunged into an investigation that forces him to confront the sins of his past and reexamine the very foundations he’s built his life upon.

John Simm commented: “After reading Glen Morgan’s brilliant script, I knew I couldn’t pass up the chance to play this complex character. It is also a great opportunity to reunite with Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner, and with BBC AMERICA.”

Glen Morgan added: “I am thrilled to be working with John Simm, one of the UK’s most exciting talents, on the realization of Michael Marshall Smith’s novel. The BBC has always broken new ground in this genre and I look forward to playing a part in that tradition. Together with directors, Eduardo Sanchez and Daniel Stamm, we plan to put a whole new spin on creepy.”

Intruders is part of BBC AMERICA’s forthcoming slate of dramas including original series Orphan Black, Fleming: The Man Who Would Be Bond, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, Ripper Street, Doctor Who, Atlantis, The Game and In The Flesh.

No premiere date has yet been announced for Intruders starring John Simm on BBC America, but we’ll definitely keep you posted.