Emily Atack joins 'intoxicating' BBC drama that The Split fans will love

The BBC has shared a major update on its forthcoming drama about a celebrity legal battle.

Billed as "high-stakes, intoxicating and hugely entertaining", Reputation was announced earlier this year.

The broadcaster has now confirmed that production is underway, with several big names joining the cast, amongst them Rivals star Emily Atack, Mad Men actress Christina Hendricks, and Skyfall's Naomie Harris, reportsthe Mirror.

The six-part series follows Lena (Naomie), a fierce and formidable lawyer who finds herself drawn into the celebrity court case of the decade, representing global pop sensation Davina Knight (Christina).

A synopsis reads: "Reputation is an audacious and glossy new drama that shows what happens when a celebrity legal battle spirals out of control. After Davina releases a provocative new song accusing her ex-husband, Billy (Kyle Soller), of abusive behaviour and he retaliates in kind, their private breakdown erupts into a very public libel battle."

"The case is fought far beyond the courtroom, as PR machines are deployed, laws are bent and social media platforms become judge, jury and battleground - driving outrage for clicks and warping the truth."

The synopsis continues: "For Lena, the case puts her own personal life in the line of fire. How far will she go to win and at what cost? And for Davina, how far will she go to protect her reputation?"

Naomie revealed she was "hooked" from page one of Reputation, adding: "It's so rare to read scripts with the wit and flair of Anya's (creator and writer Anya Reiss) writing and I knew straight away that I wanted to play Lena."

Christina described Davina as "a fantastic, fierce character".

The wider cast also boasts The Crown's Alex Jennings, David Gyasi from The Diplomat and Prime Target's Alex Heath.

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, commented upon the series announcement: "Reputation is high-stakes, intoxicating and hugely entertaining, with a lot to say about the world."

She further noted that through Elaine and Davina, Reiss "has created two lead characters for the ages".

Reputation is set to air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.