NELSON born actor John Simm continues to add to his prolific portfolio in the run up to Christmas.

The former Life On Mars star is currently filming a new BBC1 drama penned by the same writer behind the hit series Silk.

The drama will follow the residents of one English village across the 20th Century and their turbulent lives.

Simm will appear alongside actress Maxine Peake as working parents struggling to provide for their children.

The Bolton actress also recently performed vocals with band Eccentric Research Council (ERC) in Preston as part of a project about the legend of the Pendle Witch Trials.

The 38-year-old also made her play-writing debut last week with her BBC Radio 4 drama about cyclist Beryl Burton.