The new BBC comedy-drama Ludwig introduces us to a reclusive puzzle setter who steps out of his comfort zone to impersonate his twin brother, a Detective Chief Inspector.

Peep Show legend and comedian David Mitchell takes on the role of John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor, who is drawn out of his home when his identical twin brother, James, mysteriously disappears.

In order to find James, he adopts his brother’s identity and every aspect of James’s life, compelling Ludwig to confront his own issues. He also has to assist in solving crimes as his brother within Cambridge’s bustling Major Investigations Team.

Ludwig’s distinctive way of viewing the world in puzzle form aids him in cracking cases.

Here’s everything you need to know about Ludwig, including its release date, cast members of the new BBC series, and where the series is set.

Who stars in the new BBC series Ludwig?

David Mitchell portrays John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor, who enjoys a peaceful life at home but is compelled to step out of his comfort zone when his identical twin James goes missing and he assumes his identity.

Comedian and actor David Mitchell is best known for his role as Mark Corrigan in the Channel 4 series Peep Show, where he starred alongside his comedy partner Robert Webb. The duo also penned numerous sketch shows together, including Bruiser, The Mitchell and Webb Situation, That Mitchell and Webb Sound, and That Mitchell and Webb Look.

In recent years, he has been a team captain on Would I Like To You? and made guest appearances on QI, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Have I Got News for You, The Big Fat Quiz of the Year and Mock the Week.

Anna Maxwell Martin portrays Lucy Betts-Taylor, John’s sister-in-law and wife of his missing brother James. She entices Ludwig into assuming John’s identity to aid in locating him.

Anna Maxwell Martin is recognised for her roles in Line of Duty and comedy series Motherland, as well as appearances in The Bletchley Circle, Code 404, Good Omens and A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder.

Rose Ayling-Ellis takes on the role of Freya Chordwell. She is most famous for her portrayal of Mick Carter’s daughter Frankie Lewis in EastEnders for two years and her victory in the nineteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing with Giovanni Pernice in 2021.

She also presented Channel 4’s coverage of the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris, making history as the first deaf person to host live sports coverage on television.

Gerran Howell plays the eager young DC Simon Evans. Some viewers may recognise him from his role as Vladimir Dracula in the CBBC television series Young Dracula, but he has expanded his career to include TV and film work in recent years.

He portrayed Ernesto in The Sparticle Mystery, Emerald City and also starred as Kid Sampson in the George Clooney-led Catch 22.

Dipo Ola, who portrays DI Russell Carter in the BBC series, is no stranger to television. He made his debut in Inside No.

9’s episode titled The Referee’s A W***er and also appeared in Baghdad Central. However, he is perhaps most recognised for his role as murderer Baba Lenga in the crime drama We Hunt Together.

His other roles include Mark Everly in COBRA, Douglas Hylton in Landscapers, and Cal Baker in McDonald and Dodds.

Ralph Ineson, who plays Chief Constable Ziegler, first gained recognition as the “bloody good” sales representative Chris Finch in the UK sitcom The Office. He has also had roles in Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, Waking The Dead, Peaky Blinders and Sherlock.

His film credits include the Harry Potter series, Kingsman: The Secret Service, The Last Jedi, The Witch and he will soon be seen as Galactus in the new Fantastic Four film.

How many episodes are in Ludwig?

The new BBC series Ludwig consists of six episodes, with the premiere airing at 9pm on Wednesday, September 25 on BBC One. The entire series can now be streamed on BBC iPlayer.

Each episode lasts approximately an hour and will be broadcast weekly on BBC One at the same time. The final episode is scheduled to air on Wednesday, October 30.

Where is Ludwig set?

Ludwig is set in Cambridge, where John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor operates as a detective within the fictional Cambridge Police Authority.

The series was shot throughout the city in January, with locations including St John’s College, the Millpond and the River Cam. Crew members were also spotted keeping warm with blankets while on punts.

David Mitchell makes a return to the city where he studied history and performed in the renowned Cambridge Footlights alongside his comedy partner Robert Webb.