It was first announced last month that Christopher Eccleston would be starring in a new Radio 4 adaptation of classic sci-fi novel The Man Who Fell to Earth, and now we've got an exclusive sneak preview.

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In the first clip from the audio drama, we're introduced to Eccleston's Nathan Bryce, a widowed scientist who comes across Harry Treadaway's Thomas Newton, an alien who plans to use his race’s advanced technology to make millions, and then build a spaceship to bring the last of his people to live on Earth.

In the clip, Eccleston's Nathan is heard, with an American accent, wondering who Thomas Newton actually is and just what he wants with humanity.

You can hear the full exclusive clip for RadioTimes.com right here now.

The one-off audio drama, which will air on Radio 4 on Sunday 12th May, is based on Walter Tevis's 1963 novel, which went on to inspire the 1976 movie starring David Bowie and the 2022 Prime Video series starring Chiwetel Ejiofor.

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The synopsis for this new adaptation states: "An alien arrives in Kentucky with five years to save the handful of survivors of his dying planet, and to save humanity from itself. Calling himself Thomas Newton, his plan is to use his race’s advanced technology to make millions, and then build a spaceship to bring the last of his people to live on Earth.

"But Newton begins to doubt his purpose, and finds himself unable to cope with the emotional weight of being human. He finds solace with two fellow outsiders – cheery functioning alcoholic Betty-Jo, who falls quietly in love with him, and widowed scientist Nathan Bryce, who tracks him down after recognising his tech as impossible.

"Little do they realise that the Government are watching…"

As well as starring Doctor Who's Eccleston and Lockwood & Co's Treadaway, it also stars Laura Aikman (Archie), Stuart Milligan (The Crown), Glen McCready (Hotel Portofino), Ako Mitchell (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness), André Refig (Killing Eve), Fiona Sheehan (Emmerdale) and Alix Dunmore (Sister Boniface Mysteries).

The Man Who Fell to Earth will air on Radio 4 at 3pm on Sunday 12th May 2024.

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