Stephen Merchant has been transformed into the serial killer Stephen Port, in the first official look at his character in The Barking Murders.
Sporting a vacant glare and side-swept fringe, the acclaimed writer and director is noticeably different without his signature glasses, as he takes on the role of the so-called 'Grindr serial killer.'
Stephen will appear alongside actress Sheridan Smith, who will play the mother of one of Port's victims in the drama, which will also star Rufus Jones, Stephanie Hyam and Leanne Best.
Sinister: Stephen Merchant has been transformed into the serial killer Stephen Port, in the first official look at his character in The Barking Murders
According to Digital Spy, Stephen said about his role in the series: 'This is a story that can't be ignored – how four young lives were lost and their families' brave attempt to uncover what happened.'
'This factual drama will shed light on their story, so it's a privilege to be a part of telling it with the brilliant combination of Jeff Pope, Neil McKay and the BBC.'
This glimpse comes after a teaser image for the drama released last week showed Sheridan in character for the first time.
The actress will play the grieving Sarah Sak, the mother of Port's first victim Anthony Walgate.
Murdered: Stephen will play the role of the so-called 'Grindr serial killer,' who is currently serving life in prison after murdering four men in East London
Written by Jeff Pope and Neil McKay, the award-winning team behind The Moorside and Appropriate Adult, The Barking Murders will go beneath the headlines to shed new light on this story by telling it from the point of view of the families of Stephen Port's victims.
Alongside Sheridan, the previously-announced Stephen Merchant and Jaime Winstone, the cast will also include Rufus (Stan and Ollie), Stephanie (Bodyguard) and Leanne (Line Of Duty), as well as Samuel Barnett (Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency) and Robert Emms (Cleaning Up).
On casting, Jeff Pope said: 'Neil McKay and I are delighted to be working with Sheridan Smith again, who brings such honesty and passion to every character she plays. Stephen Merchant didn't hesitate when we asked him to play serial killer Stephen Port and we
