A TELEVISION crime drama based on best-selling thrillers is set to hit our screens tonight.

Grace premieres on ITV one tonight in a two hour special, starring John Simm as the Brighton detective.

The drama is based on crime novelist Peter James's book Dead Simple.

Life on Mars actor John Simm, who has also appeared on Doctor Who and in the thriller State of Play, says he was excited to play the role.

Meanwhile Peter James, who has published 17 books in the Roy Grace series, said John Simm is the perfect fit for the character.

He told The Argus that he is now writing the books with the actor in mind.

ITV STUDIOS FOR.ITV.GRACE SERIES 1.DEAD SIMPLE..Pictured:JOHN SIMM as DS Roy Grace...This image is the copyright of ITV and may only be used in direct relation to Grace series 1,2021..

ITV STUDIOS FOR.ITV.GRACE SERIES 1.DEAD SIMPLE..Pictured:JOHN SIMM as DS Roy Grace...This image is the copyright of ITV and may only be used in direct relation to Grace series 1,2021..

John Simm appears alongside the likes of Richie Campbell as Grace’s police partner Detective Superintendent Glenn Branson and Rakie Ayola as his superior, Assistant Chief constable Alison Vosper.

Together, the officers must investigate the mysterious disappearance of a successful property developer who went missing during his stag do, days before his wedding.

The two-hour special airs tonight at 8pm.

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Mr Simm said: "John Simm said: “Roy Grace is a high ranking detective.

“When we first meet him, he has been diverted to investigate cold cases where his career is stagnating.

“There are 17 Roy Grace novels so far and the wonderful thing was that Peter James said he was writing the new ones with me in his head this time which is great."