Secret Smile | Manchester Online 6 Dec 2005

 

SECRET SMILE **** (ITV1, 9pm)
Just 12 months ago, only a handful of people knew who David Tennant was. Last December, he had a starring role in BBC drama Blackpool - and since then, his star has soared.

Parts in Casanova, the live broadcast of The Quatermass Experiment and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire have helped turn him into a major heart-throb.

Tennant is, of course, making his mark on the Doctor Who phenomenon by taking over the role from Christopher Eccleston.

He will play the Time Lord in a special edition of the sci-fi series on Christmas Day and in the new series, which begins next year.

Before then, fans of the Scottish thespian can catch him in action in this two-part drama based on Nicci French's novel.

But, rather than play a likeable soul, the actor for once goes against type by portraying a charmer without a heart of gold.

He heads the cast as Brendan Block, an entrepreneur who enjoys a 10-day fling with Miranda Cotton, played by Shaun of the Dead star Kate Ashfield.

His creepy behaviour makes her end their relationship, but it seems he won't let her go easily, and plots revenge by seducing her sister Kerry.

Five weeks later, the new couple announce their engagement.