BBC Better: Andrew Buchan on his role in new gripping drama

The Rivington and Blackrod School old boy, who grew up in Lostock, plays the part off an Irish character charming, charismatic, who is is a successful businessman and property developer.

But to those closest to him he’s the highly disciplined and coldly ruthless head of a powerful citywide drug trafficking gang.

How to watch new BBC One police drama 'Better' starring Bolton actor

Andrew, who has starred in a number of TV series including Broadchurch and The Great Fire, said: "Better is a character piece. It's neither a cop show nor a whodunnit.

"It's about a female detective, played by Leila Farzad, who, as a way of forwarding her career, becomes embroiled with this crime boss, played by myself.

"The two of them began giving each other tip offs and turning a blind eye to things as a way of forwarding their careers and ascending the ladder and that escalated over the years. The two characters are very intertwined. It makes the unravelling of their lives incredibly interesting."

Andrew, said: "Col McHugh is a very complex, flawed individual, who has had a childhood littered with deprivation and humiliation. He's been raised by an alcoholic father which has thrown fuel on his fire and given him a drive in life, because he doesn't want to become his dad. So that's what propels him forward; this reluctance to emulate or become part of the circle of his family. So, with all that in mind, I found him brilliantly challenging to play, and complex and difficult."

Leila heads the cast as DI Lou Slack, a well-respected officer harbouring a dark secret – her success has been built on a foundation of deceit and corruption.

Almost 20 years ago, she struck a deal with fledgling underworld figure Col McHugh played by Andrew – he’d scratch her back, if she scratched his. But, following a tragedy, it seems the worm could be about to turn…

Andrew said: "But the roots of their lives are so twisted and wrapped around each other, it's hard to untangle and break free."

The series was filmed in Leeds, where Andrew has filmed before for the ABC murders with John Malkovich and Rupert Grint.

"Leeds is a brilliant place, it's such an amazing city. It's so vibrant and full of life with brilliant people and the banter's class," he said.

Andrew concluded: "You've got to watch it for Leila. She carries the show and she's brilliant in it, very complex and unpredictable. So as each episode goes on it's fascinating to see her character's flaws, weaknesses, and strengths develop. She's brilliant in it."

"In this series you're dealing with flawed individuals, as there are in all aspects of life, regardless of profession. It’s interesting to see how they deal with particular circumstances and situations, but I don't think you arrive at the end with a clear idea of what is good or bad. Hopefully, you will be able to empathise with their journeys and decisions in some way or another."

The series is on every Monday at BBC One at 9pm and with all episodes on BBC iPlayer.