A simple morality play masquerading as a complex political thriller, Blackout is a challenging blend of visual and thematic styles cribbed from other sources, anchored by strong performances by its cast, including Christopher Eccleston, Dervla Kirwan, Ewen Bremmer and Andrew Scott.

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The United Kingdom is slightly spoilt for choice tonight, as there are no less than four separate dramas on television tonight [Monday July 2 2012] featuring the cast of Sherlock.

Firstly, on BBC One at 21:00BST is the first part of the political thriller Blackout, with Andrew Scott in the role of Dalien Bevan [pictured above, in a new image] opposite Christopher Eccleston, Dervla Kirwin, and Ewen Bremner.

At the same time on ITV3 at 21:00BST, there’s a repeat of Marple: Murder is Easy, the second episode of Series four with Julia McKensie as Agatha Christie’s detective, that features Benedict Cumberbatch and Russell Tovey. The episode is also viewable on ITV3 +1, which is handy to avoid a clash with Blackout.

Also on BBC HD at 21:00BST is a repeat of Wallander: The Man Who Smiled, an episode of the Kenneth Branagh Swedish detective drama featuring Rupert Graves, showing again to lead up to the new series starting on Sunday July 8 - the first episode of which is directed by Toby Haynes, the director of Sherlock: The Reichenbach Fall.

Finally, on Channel 4 at 23:10BST, Russell Tovey is on again in the first in the new series of Coming Up, the Channel 4 talent scheme where new writers and directors have the opportunity to make an original film with a guaranteed network broadcast. The thirty minute drama is entitled New Cross, and explores the theme of forbidden love. Also, an upcoming installment of Coming Up features Lara Pulver.

So, if you are in the UK, what will YOU be watching tonight?

The BBC Media Centre has just issued the full press pack for the upcoming thriller Blackout, screening from July 4 2012. Below is the full interview with Andrew Scott from the release, where he discusses the series and compares his role as Detective Dalien Bevan in Blackout to Jim Moriarty in Sherlock, as well as an additional synopsis for the series that places a greater emphasis on Andrew’s character over the first press piece.

For the full Blackout press pack, including interviews with Christopher Eccleston, Dervla Kirwan, and MyAnna Buring, head over to the BBC Media Centre.

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The BBC Press Office has revealed the synopsis and broadcast date for Blackout [formerly ‘The Fuse’], a dark political thriller starring Christopher Eccleston and Andrew Scott.

The three part drama begins Wednesday July 4 2012 on BBC One in the UK. The exact time of broadcast is still to be revealed.

The full synopsis and cast details from the BBC Press Website are below.

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