Lennie James on playing the lead in a six-part BBC adaptation of author Bernadine Evaristo's novel Mr Loverman.

Wonderfully complex' show tells the story of a gay septuagenarian as he contemplates leaving his wife for his lifelong best friend

Mr Loverman is a story of love, secrets and lies told through the life of Caribbean family man and Hackney resident Barry Walker

Mr Loverman, written by Bernardine Evaristo, aired its first and second episodes on Monday night, with viewers heaping praise on the powerful and emotional drama.

Bernardine Evaristo's novel Mr Loverman has been given the TV treatment for the BBC, with Lennie James playing the eponymous lothario, Barrington Jedidiah Walker.

The creator and lead actor of BBC’s new drama Mr Loverman have defended the show’s casting, following controversy about the practice of casting straight actors in gay roles. Mr Loverman is set in London and explores sexuality and race in Britain’s Caribbean community.