Top telly - BBC drama The Day of the Triffids

Dougray Scott, Joely Richardson, Brian Cox, Vanessa Redgrave, Eddie Izzard and Jason Priestley star in The Day Of The Triffids, on BBC One this Christmas, written by Patrick Harbinson (ER, Law & Order).

This epic, fast-paced, futuristic, two-part drama is a co-production between Power and Canadian producer Prodigy Pictures for BBC One, and is based on John Wyndham's best-selling post-apocalyptic novel, The Day Of The Triffids, published in 1951.

In the not-too-distant future, man's search for an alternative fuel supply leads him to uncover the ominous Triffid, a crop now cultivated for its fuel that seems to have a life of its own. But when spectators gather worldwide for a much anticipated solar storm, billions are left blinded and the few sighted survivors watch as society collapses into chaos.

The Triffids, meanwhile, find their way out of captivity. Free to roam the planet with a fatal sting, and a retributive taste for human flesh, the Triffids begin rapid breeding. Now, Dr Bill Masen must lead the brave in their epic battle against the Triffids' reign of terror in what could be the last days of mankind.

The cast list includes Dougray Scott as Bill Masen, Joely Richardson as Jo Playton, Brian Cox as Dennis Masen, Vanessa Redgrave as Durrant, Eddie Izzard as Torrence and Jason Priestley as Coker.

The Day Of The Triffids is a Power production for BBC One. The executive producer is Justin Bodle (Power). Stephen Smallwood is the producer (Murphy's Law) and the director is Nick Copus (The Summit, EastEnders). Further executive producers are Jay Firestone (Prodigy Pictures) and Eleanor Moran (BBC).

The Day Of The Triffids is also being simulcast on the BBC HD channel – the BBC's high definition channel available through Freesat, Sky and Virgin Media.

Each episode lasts one and a half hours.

Homepage ► The Day of the Triffids

The Day of the Triffids stars Dougray Scott & Joely Richardson

Cultivating the Triffid as an alternative fuel supply is a mistake

Starring Dougray Scott, Joely Richardson, Brian Cox, Vanessa Redgrave, Eddie Izzard and Jason Priestley.