GRAVESHAM starlet Gemma Arterton will be appearing on TV screens across the country next month.

The rising star, formerly of Hall Road, Northfleet, is playing the lead role in the BBC production of Tess Of The D’Urbervilles.

The former Gravesend Grammar School pupil landed the role just months after being signed up to play agent Fields in the next James Bond film, Quantum Of Solace.

Jodie Whittaker, who starred in the Oscar-nominated film Venus, will play Izzy, while Gavin And Stacey actress Ruth Jones is Tess’s mother Joan.

The 22-year-old has had a busy schedule after graduating from the prestigious London drama school RADA.

The red-carpet beauty starred as unruly head girl Kelly in the British comedy St Trinian’s and appeared alongside Dartford actor Mackenzie Crook in Three and Out which hit UK cinemas in May this year.