Jimmy McGovern’s critically acclaimed British TV drama Accused airs for a second season, with a colourful new addition.

Sean Bean – best known for his role as Boromir in the Lord of the Rings trilogy – is introduced, playing a character called Simon by day and ‘Tracie’ by night.

Each episode follows a different character as they await their verdict in court, and tells the story behind how they find themselves accused.

Simon, a shy secondary school teacher transforms into the wildly confident ‘Tracie’ and meets Tony during a night at the bar. The relationship is initially one of sex, but as the story progresses, we find out about their troubled pasts and the two form a unique bond.

5.3 million British viewers tuned in to see Bean in his most challenging role yet.

Watch the trailer below:

Reviewer Luke Holland writes: “With every bite of the lip or coquettish smile, Tracie came completely to life; we shared her pain, fleeting joy and crushing disappointment – all mannerisms which were visibly suppressed by Simon’s stifling, distracted self-control.

“Bean was a revelation,” he added.

Many viewers agree that Bean was the driving force behind the show’s ratings success, with The Guardian’s headline reading Accused: Sean Bean courts 5.3m viewers.

No doubt it won’t be long before Aussie viewers see Bean’s character come to life on our local small screens.