David Tennant, known for his roles as the time-traveling Doctor and detective investigator in Broadchurch, embraces an intensely chilling character in the crime drama Des. This three-part miniseries, released on ITV in September 2020, portrays the haunting true story of Dennis Nilsen, a Scottish serial killer active in the late 1970s and early 1980s, bringing Tennant’s dramatic range to a gripping new level. Des unfolds with Tennant in the role of Nilsen, also known as Des, whose brutal crimes have shocked viewers drawn to true crime and psychological drama.
The Real-Life Horror Behind ‘Des’
Created by Lewis Arnold, who also worked on Broadchurch, and writer Luke Neal, Des dives into the grim case of Dennis Nilsen, arrested in February 1983 for multiple murders. Nilsen’s crimes were particularly disturbing for their grotesque nature, involving the dismemberment of victims and concealment of remains in drain pipes. Despite his quiet, unassuming appearance, Nilsen had been killing young men and boys for years before his eventual capture triggered by a plumbing blockage caused by his horrific acts.
The miniseries begins with Nilsen’s arrest, illustrating the shock among police officers that such evil could have thrived unnoticed. The investigation is led by Detective Chief Inspector Peter Jay, played by Daniel Mays, who painstakingly gathers evidence to bring Nilsen to trial. The final installment focuses on the courtroom battles where the extent of Nilsen’s crimes is laid bare, culminating in his conviction on six counts of murder.
The Dramatic Shift in Tennant’s Portrayal
Fans familiar with Tennant’s lighter or heroic roles will find his embodiment of Nilsen deeply unsettling and captivating. Rather than the playful or determined characters he has previously portrayed, Tennant’s Des is a stark portrayal of a narcissistic, introverted killer whose chilling calmness contrasts with the brutality of his actions. The subtlety of Tennant’s performance—his silence and withdrawn demeanor—adds to the unnerving authenticity of the character.
To fully immerse himself, Tennant limited his interaction with the rest of the cast during filming, isolating himself to maintain the correct psychological distance from the law enforcement characters. This approach mirrors method acting techniques and contributes significantly to the believable and haunting persona he brings to the screen.
This role also garnered Tennant considerable critical acclaim, earning him the Best Actor award at the 49th International Emmy Awards in 2021. Critics have highlighted his uncanny physical resemblance to Nilsen, adding a further layer of realism to the portrayal. The series itself boasts high approval ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, nearly rivaling the success of Broadchurch.
Why Fans of Broadchurch Should Watch ‘Des’
Fans of Broadchurch have an additional reason to seek out Des, beyond Tennant’s compelling performance. The series is directed by Lewis Arnold, who has a history of collaboration with Tennant and previously directed episodes of Broadchurch. The connection deepened when Tennant encountered the script for Des while still involved in Broadchurch’s production, inspiring him to champion the project aggressively.
“At this point, we’d had no interest from production companies or anything like that. And he [Tennant] said that he wanted to attach himself. Which, ultimately, it’s no exaggeration to say that he got this made.”
—Luke Neal, Writer
Unlike many true-crime dramas that build suspense by piecing together unknown details, Des takes a different approach by revealing Nilsen’s arrest at the outset. The narrative then explores the psychological and procedural complexities behind the investigation, focusing as much on the toll the case takes on the detectives as on Nilsen’s disturbed mind. This unique structure makes the series both a study of evil and a portrayal of those tasked with confronting it.
Another notable element is that Arnold directed all three episodes himself, maintaining a consistent tone and vision throughout the miniseries. This singular guidance prevents quality dips often caused by multiple directors handling different episodes. Furthermore, limiting the story to just three episodes ensures a tight, focused narrative without unnecessary filler that can dilute the emotional impact of such a story.
For viewers interested in exploring Tennant’s darker roles and complex storytelling, Des is available for streaming on AMC+ and BritBox, offering a deeply unsettling yet rewarding experience that adds a remarkable chapter to Tennant’s career and true crime television.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did David Tennant say about LGBTQ?
A. David Tennant has spoken against the harsh treatment of the trans community. Although he doesn’t wish harm to JK Rowling, he hopes society allows everyone to live freely.
Q. Is David Tennant a billionaire?
A. David Tennant’s earnings reflect his career accomplishments. He has starred in some of the most popular TV shows ever. His famous role as the Tenth Doctor in Doctor Who stands out. By 2025, his net worth is roughly $10 million.
Q. David Tennant talks about Imposter SyndromeDavid Tennant has confessed to having the Imposter Syndrome. Who would have thought it? What effect does it have on people at work in your workplace?
A. Is David Tennant experiencing impostor syndrome?
David Tennant, a well-known actor, has talked about having impostor syndrome. This means he sometimes worries about not deserving his success. Even though he’s famous and skilled, these feelings are quite common among people in various fields.
Q. How rich is David Tennant?
A. David Tennant’s net worth is about £7 million, says The Sun. He built this wealth through a successful acting career. Tennant has acted in major movie series like Harry Potter and How to Train Your Dragon. He is also known for his roles in TV series such as Doctor Who and Broadchurch.
