King and Conqueror star lands major role in Netflix drama already being called 'the next Peaky Blinders'

A rising star from popular shows like Happy Valley, Grantchester and the recent BBC sensation King & Conqueror has bagged a significant role in a fresh Netflix series.

The upcoming show is set to be a must-watch for subscribers as it's the brainchild of one of the greatest crime drama creators in British TV history; Peaky Blinders' Steven Knight.

Happy Valley's James Norton, who recently portrayed Harold Godwinson in King & Conqueror, will next assume the character of Sean Rafferty in Netflix's House of Guinness.

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This grand new historical drama, which delves into the complex history of the Guinness family, the influential dynasty behind one of the world's largest breweries, is set to hit Netflix later this week.

Norton's character Rafferty, ostensibly the brewery's foreman, is actually the family's fixer, aiding the Guinnesses in maintaining their clean hands and public image in 19th Century Dublin, reports the Express.

In a chat with Radio Times, Norton depicted Rafferty as a lapsed Catholic from south Dublin who might have participated in the Crimea War.

"He's known throughout Dublin as the man who will get his hands very dirty if needs be, but then the next day he's in a smart shirt talking about balance sheets," Norton elaborates.

"His weakness is love. And sex. He has these complicated relationships with women of high status.

"And while normally he's cool and reptilian, he starts to fall in love and it terrifies him."

The actor, who grew up in North Yorkshire, has also revealed the difficulties of mastering an authentic Dublin accent for the series.

"I just knew if I didn't work hard, I'd be really exposed," he confessed to the New York Times.

Viewers can anticipate plenty of gripping scenes featuring Norton as Rafferty, as he joins House of Guinness' leading ensemble cast including Anthony Boyle, Louis Partridge, Emily Fairn and Fionn O'Shea portraying Guinness descendants Arthur, Edward, Anne and Benjamin respectively.

The eight-episode series has already garnered enthusiastic praise from audiences and reviewers alike, with one X user declaring before launch: "House of Guinness coming out next week could be my next Netflix watch. Looks like an Irish Peaky Blinders."

Another viewer highlighted the parallels: "The House of Guinness looks like the exact same set as Peaky which makes sense so on that fact alone I will be there."

"Oh s*** the trailer for house of guinness looks so insanely good," a third commented.

Meanwhile, another fan penned: "Can't wait for the drama and legacy battles in 'House of Guinness'! Steven Knight's storytelling is always a treat."

Will you be watching the Peaky Blinders mastermind's latest epic crime series when it debuts this week?

House of Guinness launches Thursday, 25th September on Netflix.