MUMBAI: BBC America has announced that the channel will co-produce the new drama, Fleming (Working Title), about the life of Bond creator Ian Fleming. Film star Dominic Cooper will portray the celebrated author in the new original four-part drama.

BBC America senior VP of programming Richard DeCroce commented, "Not only did Ian Fleming create one of the most iconic characters of all time, he actually lived a life as exciting as 007?s. We can?t wait to see Dominic Cooper bring his incredible talent to this role."

Ecosse Films executive producer Douglas Rae said, "Ian Fleming?s story is as dramatic and entertaining as any of the Bond films. I?m thrilled that we are able to tell this extraordinary story on BBC America."

Since Casino Royale was published in 1953, the world has been fascinated with James Bond and last year the film franchise celebrated its 50th anniversary. Fleming (W/T) takes a no holds barred look at Ian Fleming, the man behind the James Bond legend whose real life was as exciting, eventful and sexually charged as his famous creation.

Dominic Cooper will play Ian Fleming, a charming, sophisticated maverick whose dilettanti, pleasure seeking life was turned around by WWII and led to the creation of the best known spy the world has ever known.

Cooper said, "Stepping into the shoes of the spy who not only created the enigmatic character of 007, but who fantasized about being him, has to be every actor?s dream."

The outbreak of WWII saw a young Fleming as an unsuccessful stockbroker already with a failed army career behind him, living off his rich family while indulging his passions of alcohol, erotic literature and sexual conquests.

But having been forced into Naval Intelligence through family connections, Fleming found a calling. Utilizing his vivid imagination, charm and mischievous sense of humor he was responsible for some of the most outrageous counter intelligence missions against the Nazis, full of danger and intrigue, the experience of which would form the basis of the Bond books.

Set against the permissive society of war-torn London, where champagne (and martinis) were always flowing and beds were always being swapped, Fleming (W/T) explores the early life of the charming, enigmatic creator of 007.