Marianne Jean-Baptiste, James D’Arcy, Eve Myles and Phoebe Waller-Bridge will join the cast of multi-award winning Broadchurch for the new series, broadcaster ITV, and production companies Kudos and Imaginary Friends confirmed today.

Academy Award, BAFTA and Golden Globe nominated Marianne, who trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, will play a leading role in the new series. Acclaimed for her television and film roles including Without A Trace, Private Practice and The Murder of Stephen Lawrence, Marianne will begin filming for the new series shortly.

“We’re over the moon to have wooed Marianne back from Los Angeles to join us in Broadchurch,” said creator and writer Chris Chibnall in the week when the drama achieved a hat trick of BAFTA Awards for the programme, and stars Olivia Colman and David Bradley.

“Marianne is one of Britain’s finest actresses, so it’s an honour and a coup for us. It’s a role written specifically for her and I would’ve wept for months if she’d turned us down. Luckily she didn’t and her character is going to make an indelible impact on the world of Broadchurch.”

Also joining the cast in a key role is acclaimed film and television actor James D’Arcy, who is known for his roles in Cloud Atlas, Hitchcock and The Making of a Lady. Renowned for his successful film and television career in the UK and US, James took the lead role in the American drama Those Who Kill.

“James’ extraordinary recent work in movies such as Cloud Atlas and opposite Anthony Hopkins in Hitchcock makes him another thrilling and important addition to the Broadchurch cast,” said Jane Featherstone, Chief Executive of Kudos and Broadchurch Executive Producer. “It’s never easy to tempt actors back from Hollywood, and we feel privileged that James is joining us as a key part of our new story,” added Jane.

Leading television actress Eve Myles (Torchwood, Little Dorrit, Frankie) will also play a central role in the new series. Eve’s career includes an impressive range of roles in dramas including You, Me & Them, Merlin and Doctor Who.

Rising star Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Bad Education, Blandings, The Café) also joins the production when filming begins later this month. Phoebe wrote and performed in the Olivier nominated show Fleabag, which also won the 2014 Critic’s Circle Award. As with all the new additions, details of her character will remain under wraps for now.

“As if we didn’t have enough fabulous actresses, it’s a thrill to be joined by Wales’ finest, Eve Myles. Having worked together on Torchwood, it’s a joy to be able to welcome her to Broadchurch. And anyone who’s seen Phoebe Waller-Bridge perform knows she’s already on the way to being a superstar. We’re lucky to have them both on board,” added Chris Chibnall.