A while back, our John told us all about a new Day of the Triffids, set to hit our screens on BBC One. Well, the BBC has announced the cast and what a famous all-star cast it is! Starring in the show will be none other than... deep breath... Dougray Scott, Joely Richardson, Brian Cox, Vanessa Redgrave, Eddie Izzard and Jason Priestley! Phew! Good eh? The show is currently in production for transmission later this year.

Related: Day of the Triffids next for a re-imagining

The show itself, from the famous fifties book, is set in the not too distant future, and man's search for an alternative fuel supply (how topical!) leads him to uncover the ominous Triffid, a crop now cultivated for its fuel that seems to have a life of its own. And looks a bit like rhubarb in the old TV series.

Then (cue dramatic music), when spectators gather worldwide for a much anticipated solar storm, billions are left blinded and the few sighted survivors watch as society collapses into chaos! ARRGH! The Triffids, meanwhile, find their way out of captivity. Free to roam the planet with a fatal sting, and a retributive taste for human flesh, the Triffids begin rapid breeding! DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUN!

Justin Bodle, Executive Producer, says: "We are enormously excited to have secured this stellar cast for The Day Of The Triffids. Together with its amazing effects and iconic locations, it will deliver the drama mini-series event of 2009."

Julie Gardner, Head of Drama, BBC Wales, adds: "The incredible cast lined-up for The Day Of The Triffids is testament to the quality of Patrick Harbinson's script. We hope audiences, both old and new, will be captivated by this modern take of John Wyndham's classic best-selling novel."

The confirmed cast list includes: Dougray Scott as Bill Masen; Joely Richardson as Jo Playton; Brian Cox as Dennis Masen; Vanessa Redgrave as Durrant; Eddie Izzard as Torrence and Jason Priestley as Coker.