Mhairi Black, who previously served as the SNP's deputy leader at Westminster, has secured her debut television acting role in the forthcoming BBC legal drama, Counsels.
The former politician will portray Detective Inspector Bridges in the Glasgow-based series, appearing across four instalments of the eight-episode production.
Filming for the legal drama commences next week. The BBC drama marks a significant career shift for Ms Black, who departed from parliamentary politics last year after nearly a decade representing Paisley and Renfrewshire South.
"I'm excited to be joining Counsels and look forward to getting stuck into playing Detective Inspector Bridges," Ms Black stated.
Mhairi Black has bagged a role in a BBC drama
|PA
"I've been relishing trying different things since politics; this is my first TV acting role, and I really enjoyed auditioning for the part."
The former MP expressed particular enthusiasm about the production's Scottish setting. "To work on a series which is set and filmed in Glasgow is an amazing opportunity - what a brilliant show to be a part of," she added.
Ms Black's casting announcement comes after she revealed earlier this year that she had departed from the SNP, citing disagreements over the party's positions on trans rights and Palestine.
Inevitably, news of Ms Black's first-ever acting stint has been met by a rather mixed reception, with some mocking the career switch, while others have criticised the BBC for choosing the former politician over other budding actors.
Mhairi Black will star in Counsels
|BBC
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"Much better use of her time," one X user responded to a BBC article breaking the news, while a second added: "That's a new low for the @BBC - just as well there aren't any actual actors looking for work."
Elsewhere, a third similarly took aim at the corporation: "Thank evolution I cancelled my licence."
"She's not an actress, how did she get the job before a real actor?" a fourth queried, while a fifth hit out: "One to miss then."
However, some did defend the decision, with one sarcastically arguing: "And why not? After all, the Labour parliamentary party is chock full of talentless ex-public sector workers acting like they know how to run a country..." (sic)
The BBC has been panned for the decision
|GETTY
Ms Black entered Westminster in 2015, aged just 20, securing her place in history as the youngest MP elected since 1832.
Her victory over Labour's Douglas Alexander came during the SNP's sweeping success that year, when the party captured all but three Scottish seats.
Following her departure from politics ahead of the 2024 general election, Ms Black has publicly embraced the entertainment industry, debuting her one-woman show Politics Isn't For Me at last year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The BBC also documented her career transition in the programme Mhairi Black: Being Me Again, which followed her journey from the Commons chamber to the stage.
Mhairi Black in the House of Commons
|PA
The series Counsels centres on ambitious young legal professionals navigating Glasgow's competitive law scene several years after university graduation.
The characters work across various legal sectors - from public prosecution to commercial law firms and legal aid representation - as professional rivalries and personal relationships collide.
The cast features Brandon Grace, Ro Kumar, Eilidh Park, George Prentice, Alyth Ross, and Rebecca Bell in lead roles.
Veteran performer,s including Michelle Gomez, Derek Riddell, Laura Haddock, Daniela Nardini, and Michael Nardone, round out the ensemble.