THE forthcoming BBC TV adaptation of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials has cast an actress as Serafina Pekkala.

The witch queen from the fantasy trilogy will be played by Ruta Gedmintas, who fans will recognise from historical drama The Tudors or BBC Two comedy Stag.

She said: “I am delighted to join the cast for His Dark Materials.”

The actress joins an already star-studded cast, which includes rising star Dafne Keen as Lyra and James McAvoy as Lyra’s father Lord Asriel. Cardiff-based Bad Wolf is producing the series.