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Author and comedian Charlie Higson is to write a drama loosely based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde for ITV in 2015.

The 10-part science-fiction thriller has been given the green light after Higson, known for his work on The Fast Show and his teen horror novel series The Enemy, came up with the idea of revamping the tale while still maintaining the spirit of Stevenson’s story.

As opposed to the original’s setting of 1880s London, this re-imagining will take place in the 1930s, with the story revolving around Dr Jekyll’s troubled grandson. The first episode will see Robert Jekyll, a sensitive and morally upright individual, living in India as a newly qualified doctor. He has inherited the family trait of transforming into alter ego Hyde – a self-destructive action man with super powers – in times of stress or extreme anger. Though his condition is kept under control with medicine, the series will show him trying to deal with his split persona along with protecting himself against “shadowy forces” who are out to get him.

“It’s an exciting challenge to take Stevenson’s work and use it as the basis for a new Jekyll and Hyde,” said Charlie Higson, who will executive produce as well as write the series. “So many superheroes with secret dual personalities have been brought to life thanks to Jekyll & Hyde. He’s one of literatures most important and influential characters.”