ACTOR David Tennant is to star in the US remake of the hit murder mystery Broad-church.

He will reprise his role as DI Alec Hardy in the acclaimed West Bay-based crime drama.

Writer Chris Chibnall, who is from Bridport, is penning the American version for Fox.

The UK series was shot in West Bay and the US drama is expected to take on a similar cinematic feel in an American landscape.

Mr Chibnall tweeted the development on his Twitter page.

He said: “Classy showrunning duo, Oscar nominee Dan Futterman and Homicide/In Treatment ace Anya Epstein, and David Tennant join the team.”

Mr Futterman and Ms Epstein will serve as executive producers alongside Mr Chibnall.

Shooting is due to begin in January for the American version but Mr Chibnall is also writing the second series of the UK version for ITV.

Former Dr Who star Tennant played DI Hardy alongside Olivia Colman as DS Ellie Miller investigating the death of a boy in the fictional town of Broadchurch.

Mr Chibnall told Entertainment Weekly in America that he was delighted to remake the drama for an American audience.

He said that Fox was giving him the opportunity ‘to make something that is hopefully as good if not better than the British version’.

“I’m very, very fascinated to see this story in a different landscape with an acting ensemble that’s just as strong but taken from really great American actors.

“The DNA of the original is absolutely intact and filtered through a new prism, so it should still feel just as vibrant, and interesting, and strange, and unique, and beautiful, but just in a different setting.

“And then it’s exploring the dramatic opportunities that that offers up.

“We’re not gonna do the terrible version.

“We’re gonna do a great version.”

The original Broadchurch attracted many millions of viewers in the UK and also recently aired on BBC America.

But TV bosses think the eight-part series will also be a smash if repurposed for the American market.

It is not clear yet whether it will go under the ‘Broadchurch’ name or a different title or whether Mr Tennant will adopt an American accent.

The series is due to be distributed by Shine America in association with Kudos and Imaginary Friends.

AMERICAN versions of British shows have had mixed successes. One of the most famous is The Office remake, which enjoyed mixed reviews.

Other series to cross the Pond have included Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA, Shameless, Undercover Boss, Little Britain USA, Cold Feet, Men Behaving Badly and America’s Got Talent.