David Tennant True Crime Drama Des To Premiere On 14 September

Nilsen, who died on 12 May 2018 aged 72, was a serial killer and necrophile who is believed to have brutally murdered at least 12 young men and boys between 1978 and 1983.

The Scottish murderer was arrested by police on 9 February 1983 after a plumber responded to complaints made by Nilsen and other tenants about the drains at 23 Cranley Gardens, Muswell Hill, London.

After opening the drain cover, plumber Michael Cattran discovered a flesh-like substance and a number of bones.

At the time Nilsen reportedly told Cattran: "It looks to me like someone has been flushing down their Kentucky Fried Chicken."

According to Laura Foreman's Serial Killers, Nilsen feigned surprise when he was investigated, before eventually coming clean.

When confronted, he reportedly replied: "It's a long story; it goes back a long time. I'll tell you everything. I want to get it off my chest. Not here - at the police station."

And when asked if anyone else had live with him in his flat, he is said to have replied: "Fifteen or sixteen, since 1978."

Following his arrest, Nilsen initially confessed to 15 murders, although he's only known for certain to have committed 12.

In 1983, he was convicted on six counts of murder and two of attempted murder, with a recommendation he serve at least 25 years behind bars. His sentence was later upgraded to a whole-life tariff.

Alongside Tennant in the titular role, the drama also features Daniel Mays of Line of Duty and White Lines fame as Detective Chief Inspector Peter Jay, and The Crown's Jason Watkins as Nilsen's biographer Brian Masters.

ITV's Head of Drama, Polly Hill, said: "David Tennant is going to be brilliant as Dennis Nilsen and with Daniel Mays as Jay and Jason Watkins as Brian, this has an incredible cast to bring this story to screen and we are delighted to be making this with New Pictures for ITV."