Mhairi Black to play detective in BBC drama

Mhairi Black will join the cast of a new BBC legal drama, Counsels. 

The former SNP MP, who served as the party’s deputy leader at Westminster, will play a detective in the eight-part series, which is set in Glasgow.  

This is Black’s first television acting role, and it follows her one-woman comedy show at the Edinburgh Fringe.  

She announced she had left the SNP in July and said there had been “too many times” when she didn’t agree with decisions made by the party. 

Black told the Herald that the SNP had “capitulated” on issues important to her. 

She said: “Basically, for a long time, I've not agreed with quite a few decisions that have been made.” 

These issues were predominantly over its stance on trans rights and Palestine.  

Ahead of the general election in July last year, she announced she would not be seeking selection, citing safety concerns, social media abuse, and unsociable hours.  

Black has said she is excited to join the cast of Counsels and play the role of Detective Inspector Bridges.  

She said: “I've been relishing trying different things since politics. This is my first TV acting role, and I really enjoyed auditioning for the part.  

“To work on a series which is set and filmed in Glasgow is an amazing opportunity - what a brilliant show to be a part of.”