Robert Bathurst joins Wild at Heart

Further details about the next series of ITV drama Wild at Heart have been released, including a new cast signing.

 

Robert Bathurst is to join the next series, which begins recording for a ten-part run in August. The hour long episodes will be filmed on location against the backdrop of the African plains for this the seventh series. Robert will join regulars Stephen Tompkinson, Dawn Steele, Hayley Mills and Deon Stewardson.

Bathurst, best known recently for his role in other ITV his series Downton Abbey will play Ed Lynch a veterinary surgeon and businessman.

“When we first meet Ed, it’s at the animal park he’s been running for the past five years and we discover it’s his vision that has transformed the place from run-down zoo to thriving commercial enterprise.” Company Pictures, the production company, say.

The production company also describe him as a great vet with a  realist vision, understanding that sometimes it’s better to save the lives of twenty animals rather than focus on one. This view may clash with some of the established characters in the wildlife drama as Company Pictures tease viewers with the thought that contrast of his realism and Danny’s (Tompkinson) idealism will cause conflict between two men who are each used to calling the shots. “The stage is set for an exciting rivalry and throughout the twists and turns of the series viewers will learn more about Ed and his troubled past.” The production company states.

Robert commented: “I’m very excited Ed is going to be shaking things up in Leopard’s Den. Wild at Heart is one of the most successful dramas of the last decade and I’m thoroughly looking forward to filming the new series and working with the rest of the cast.”

The new series will open just a few weeks after Danny, Alice, Caroline and Du Plessis have lost Leopard’s Den. The mining company’s work has stalled following the corruption scandal Danny and Dup unearthed last series, and the family aren’t sure if they’ve lost their home forever.

The cast and production team film for six months on location at Glen Afric on the borders of Gauteng Province and North West Province.