Constantine's Matt Ryan and Kara Tointon to star in ITV's 'new Mr Selfridge', The Halcyon

ITV has announced the cast of its exciting new period drama series The Halcyon, which takes place in a bustling, five-star hotel in London during World War II.

The series will star Luther's Steven Mackintosh and Olivia Williams (most recently seen in Anna Karenina), joined by EastEnders' Kara Tointon, Matt Ryan of Constantine fame, Alex Jennings (The Lady in the Van), Hermione Corfield (Pride and Prejudice And Zombies) and Mark Benton (Eddie the Eagle).

Set in 1940, American journalist Joe O'Hara sees first-hand how war impacts life and commerce while observing the staff at a luxury hotel.

The Halcyon reflects on the time period through the eyes of the hotel's modest and hard-working staff, as well as its high-profile guests.

[Olivia Williams]

Filming has already begun on the eight-part, 60-minute series, which was created by Trust Me's Charlotte Jones and produced by Downton Abbey's Chris Croucher, as well as Left Bank Pictures, the company behind Wallander and Outlander.

And to add to the list of exciting names, Jamie Cullum has written two tracks for the show, while Beverly Knight will perform in it.

Further cast members included Sope Dirisu, Liz White, Charity Wakefield, Annabelle Apsion, Jamie Blackley, Ed Bluemel, Nick Brimble, Michael Carter, Akshay Kumar, Imogen Waterhouse, Nico Rogner, Kevin Eldon and Lauren Coe.

The Halcyon is being touted as ITV's successor to its hugely successful period dramas Mr Selfridge and Downton Abbey, which have both come to an end recently.

Meanwhile, ITV may have well have found its 'new Poirot' in Rowan Atkinson.