Peter Capaldi will star in this year’s Christmas ghost story for BBC

M.R. James’ ghost story Martin’s Close is being adapted by the BBC.

The one-off drama continues the tradition of BBC Four airing a ghost story over the festive season.

Featuring former Doctor Who star Peter Capaldi, the 30-minute adaptation of James’ classic 1911 short story is written and directed by Sherlock co-creator Mark Gatiss.

Gatiss said: “After the delightful success of last year’s The Dead Room, it’s a fantastic privilege to continue the tradition of the Christmas ghost story on BBC Four – and what better than one of my favourite stories by the master of them all, M.R. James?”

The official synopis reads: “1684. John Martin is on trial for his life. Facing him, the infamous ‘hanging judge’, George Jeffreys. But this is not a cut and dried murder case. Because the innocent young girl Martin is accused of killing has been seen after her death…”

The cast also includes Wilf Scolding (Game of Thrones), Simon Williams (The Archers), Sara Crowe (Four Weddings and a Funeral), James Holmes (Miranda), Fisayo Akinade (A Very English Scandal), and Elliot Levey (Murder On The Orient Express).

Cassian Harrison, Channel Editor of BBC Four, commented: “With a stellar cast and a plot to send a shiver down the most resolute of spines, this is a guaranteed treat for the winter nights.”

Mark Gatiss and fellow Sherlock writer Steven Moffat are currently working on their new Dracula series, coming soon to BBC One and Netflix.

Martin’s Close will air in the UK this Christmas on BBC Four.

M.R. James’ original story is available on Amazon.