The BBC have just announced that Gillian Anderson – who shot to fame in US cult series, The X Files – has been cast in the lead role of new BBC2 drama, The Fall.

Written by Allan Cubitt, The Fall is described as “a gripping psychological thriller that forensically examines the lives of two hunters.”

One of those “hunters” is a serial killer, who stalks his victims in and around Belfast, while the other is a talented female Detective Superintendent Gibson – Anderson – who’s on secondment from the MET.

The Fall consists of five episodes which will follow the police investigation while uncovering the intricate story of the lives that become entangled by the horrific murders, including how they affect both the killer’s and the victims’ families…

Of the drama, Ben Stephenson, the Controller of BBC Drama Commissioning, said, “The Fall is a unique, forensic and characterful take on a classic genre that continues BBC Two’s commitment to original British drama in 2012.

“Cubitt’s rich and complex psychological thriller combined with another compelling performance from Gillian Anderson will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.”

The Fall will be produced by Artists Studio, and Gub Neal, one of the founders of the Studio, said, “We are delighted to be working with Allan, he is a fantastic writer and handles the subject matter with extraordinary sensitivity and intelligence.”

His fellow producer, Julian Stevens, added, “The development of this project has been a joy ever since the first meeting with the BBC in Belfast…

“And I am excited to be cutting my producing teeth on such an ambitious project.”

No exact date has been given for when the show will air, but we’ll keep you posted.

Here’s a reminder of Gillian in X Files in one of the show’s outtake montages…