AN Oscar winner has signed up to appear in a TV series based on a Scandinavian legend which is to be filmed in the North-East.

William Hurt, 64, who won an Oscar for his role in Kiss of the Spider Woman in 1985 is to appear in the ITV drama Beowulf.

The actor, who lists A History of Violence, AI Artificial Intelligence and The Village amongst his film credits, is to appear as the warrior king who raised Beowulf.

He will be alongside Joanne Whalley, who was in Scandal about the John Profumo affair, and Kieran Bew, of Hartlepool, who has been in The Street.

Filming will take place at the former Eastgate Quarry site, in Weardale, and other sites in County Durham and Northumberland.

The series will consist of 13 one hour episodes and it is hoped to air the first season on screen in January 2016.

James Dormer, writer and executive producer, said: “Hundreds of years ago our ancestors listened to the story of Beowulf because it was a great adventure story.

“It scared them, thrilled them, made them laugh and cry. But they also listened because they recognised themselves and their fears in it.

“So it's incredibly exciting to have the opportunity to make it relevant again for a wide audience.”