Fleabag’s ‘Hot Priest’ Andrew Scott cast as Talented Mr Ripley in TV reboot

FLEABAG'S ‘Hot Priest’ Andrew Scott has been cast as The Talented Mr Ripley in a TV reboot.

The 42-year-old got men and women around the country hot under the collar in the second season of the Emmy winning show by Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

And now he's set to take on the titular character of Tom Ripley in an eight-part TV adaptation of the Patricia Highsmith novel for Showtime.

Simply called Ripley, the story will follow Tom – a small-scale con man – who is asked by a rich man to travel to Italy and bring back his wayward, yet charming son.

The series is being written and directed by Oscar winner Steven Zaillian but no other cast members have been confirmed yet.

In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Showtime President of Entertainment Gary Levine said: "We are so thrilled to have the supremely talented filmmaker, Steve Zaillian, adapt the singular saga of Tom Ripley from Patricia Highsmith’s novels as an ongoing series for Showtime.

“With Andrew Scott, whose charisma knows no bounds, inhabiting the iconic lead role, we feel confident that this will be a special one.”

The show will be the second major adaptation of Patricia's novel, following the 1999 film version starring Matt Damon as Tom and Jude Law as Dickie Greenleaf, who becomes the object of Tom's affections, which proves deadly.

Meanwhile Phoebe, 34, thanked Andrew in one of her many acceptance speeches at Sunday's Emmys for his work as the 'hot priest' on Fleabag.

The BBC Three comedy won four awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series, and Phoebe said while clutching the gong: "The journey has been absolutely mental to get here."

As Andrew stood behind her on the stage, she added: "This is about season two, and it would not have happened if it was not for Andrew Scott, who came into our Fleabag as a whirlwind.

"He gave a performance with such depth and integrity that blew us all away. Fleabag says thanks."

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