Jamie Dornan 2018: Dakota Johnson's Pal Seen in First-Look Photos of Northern Ireland-Set Drama Series ‘Death and Nightingales’

The first-look photos of the upcoming miniseries “Death and Nightingales” were recently revealed by The BBC. Fans can now have a glimpse of Jamie Dornan in a series set in Northern Ireland in the 1800s.

“Death and Nightingales” is based on the novel of the same title written by Eugene McCabe and published in 1992. The story revolves around the character of rising star Ann Skelly, Beth Winters, who dreams of regaining control of her own destiny at the age of 23. Beth will have to fulfill that dream with help from Dornan’s character, Liam Ward. The conflict arises likely starting with Beth’s father, Billy, who will be played by Matthew Rhys.

The BBC released three photos of “Death and Nightingales,” which all give a sneak peek at the characters of Jamie Dornan, Matthew Rhys, and Ann Skelly. In one photo, Liam and Beth are seen riding a horse carriage, probably from a scene where the two are on their journey of moving out of the Fermanagh countryside.

Rhys’ Billy is seen in another photo sitting behind a desk with a very intense look on his face. “Death and Nightingales’” showrunner and director is Allan Cubitt, who has also worked with Dornan before, in the series “The Fall.”

Set in 1885, a young woman like Beth has multiple reasons to leave the countryside. In a news release from the BBC, the Fermanagh countryside is described as having neighbors policing other people’s moves. Added to that is Beth’s difficult relationship with his “Protestant landowner stepfather” Billy.

The three-part series is focused on a “desperately tense 24-hour period,” during Beth’s 23rd birthday — the day she decides to leave the countryside. Meanwhile, Jamie Dornan’s Liam is there with her during those thrilling hours.

“As decades of pain and betrayal finally build to a devastating climax, ‘Death And Nightingales’ is a powerful and gripping drama that follows a woman struggling to control her own destiny and will illuminate tensions that tear both families and nations apart,” the BBC added about the upcoming series’ plot. “Death and Nightingales” is slated to premiere this year but still without a specific release date.

Jamie Dornan had several movie and TV projects in the 2000s. And from 2011 to 2013, he appeared in nine episodes of ABC’s “Once Upon a Time.” But it is safe to say that his career really had a huge leap after he was cast as Christian Grey for the movie series “Fifty Shades.”

The novel series reference of “Fifty Shades” by E. L. James has already been a success of its own. But the movie acquired its own blockbuster win, thanks to Dornan’s great chemistry with onscreen lover, Dakota Johnson.