David Tennant is a far cry from Des in first look at BBC reboot of Around the World in 80 Days

DAVID Tennant looks a far cry from the chilling role of Des as fans get a first glimpse of him in the BBC reboot of Around the World in 80 Days.

The talented star is set to play the legendary adventurer Phileas Fogg, in the classic tale of the seemingly impossible travelling challenge.

Adapted from Jules Verne's well known book, Tennant takes on the lead role joined by Ibrahim Koma (Je Suis Daddy, Mother Is Wrong) as Fogg's valet Passepartout.

Leonie Benesch (The Crown, Babylon Berlin) stars as the young, aspiring journalist Abigail Fix who joins them on their adventures.

The first look picture shows the trio in period costume, while Tennant dons a trimmed moustache for the role.

The part of Fogg appears much more light-hearted than in ITV drama Des, where Tennant plays serial killer Dennis Nilsen, who murdered more than a dozen men at his London home between 1978 and 1983.

Instead, during the new eight-part BBC adaptation, viewers will see the 49-year-old as an intrepid explorer who takes on the challenge of travelling across the world in 80 days following a bet.

Due to hit screens next year in 2021, the series has been adapted by a team of writers led by Ashley Pharoah (Life On Mars, Ashes To Ashes, The Living And The Dead) and Caleb Ranson (Child Of Mine, Heartless).

Filming for Around the World in 80 Days began back in February, but like so many productions across the country, was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, fans have been left ‘scared to sleep’ after watching Tennant as killer Dennis Nilsen.

David gives a chilling performance as Dennis, so much so, some have been left unable to sleep.

Taking to Twitter, one wrote: "Oh it’s time to scare myself silly again watching @itv #Des."

Another tweeted David's co-star Daniel Mays, who plays the detective in charge of the case, DCI Jay: "@DanielMays9 Just watched Des, scared to go to sleep now!"