Bridgerton star headlines latest The Read episode

Bridgerton star Luke Thompson has headlined the latest episode of BBC Four's The Read, which was filmed in Hereford.

Thompson delivered a creative performance reading of Oscar Wilde's novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, broadcast on Sunday.

The episode was produced by Hereford-based production company Rural Studios and filmed in the city centre.

Julie Colman, head of production, said: "We're thrilled to continue Rural Studios' mission of creating broadcast-standard content right here in Hereford."

Filmed in a disused bingo hall last year, the space was transformed with a specially built set.

Colman said: "Transforming a disused bingo hall into the world of The Picture of Dorian Gray shows the creativity, skill, and ambition of our team.

"Bringing stories like this to BBC Four demonstrates that high-quality, nationally recognised productions can thrive in our region, showcasing the talent we have to audiences across the UK."

The Picture of Dorian Gray is about a young man whose outward beauty remains untouched by time, while a hidden portrait bears the consequences of his actions.

Thompson, who is best known for his role as Benedict in the Netflix period drama Bridgerton, said: "I've always been curious about why stories stick around. I'd heard about this book, and 140 years later, it's still provocative and unsettling and still thrills people.

"And if the page seems unappealing, having someone speak it to you can help bring the story to life. It takes us back to being a kid somehow, I think."

The episode is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

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