ACTOR David Tennant is to star in the US remake of Broadchurch.

He will reprise his role as DI Alec Hardy in the acclaimed ITV crime drama.

Writer Chris Chibnall, who is from Bridport, is penning the American version for the Fox network.

The UK series was shot in West Bay and the US drama is expected to take on a similar cinematic feel.

Mr Chibnall tweeted the development on his Twitter page.

Dan Futterman and Anya Epstein will serve as executive producers alongside Mr Chibnall.

Mr Chibnall is also busy writing a second series of the UK version for ITV.

Former Dr Who star Tennant played DI Hardy alongside OIivia Colman as DS Ellie Miller investigating the death of a boy in the fictional town of Broadchurch.

Mr Chibnall told Entertainment Weekly in America that he was delighted to remake the drama for an American audience.

He said that Fox was giving him the opportunity 'to make something that is hopefully as good if not better than the British version'.

“I’m very, very fascinated to see this story in a different landscape with an acting ensemble that’s just as strong but taken from really great American actors.

"The DNA of the original is absolutely intact and filtered through a new prism, so it should still feel just as vibrant, and interesting, and strange, and unique, and beautiful, but just in a different setting.

"And then it’s exploring the dramatic opportunities that that offers up.

"We’re not gonna do the terrible version.

"We’re gonna do a great version.”