In perhaps the most intelligent casting choice in recent memory, Stephen Fry will star as the fictional UK Prime Minister Trevor Davies in 24: Live Another Day.

The action series picks up fours years after the events of the season eight finale, former CTU agent Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) is still on the run as a fugitive and his travels have found him in London on the eve on an international terrorist attack. Stephen Fry will appear in multiple episodes as the UK Prime Minister and he’s joined by fellow 24 newcomers Tate Donovan (Damages), Yvonne Strahovski (Chuck), Judy Davies and Benjamin Bratt. There’s plenty of 24 veterans returning for the 12 episode limited run series, William Devane has been upgraded to President, Kim Raver is back as Jack’s former love interest Audrey Raines and it wouldn’t be 24 without Mary Lynn Rajskub as tech wizard Chloe O’Brian.

Unlike the previous seasons the new series won’t follow the real-time format, the shift has angered some fans but the producers of the series did successfully abridged the events of 24 Redemption into 100 minutes back in 2008. 24: Live Another Day debuts with a two-hour opening episode on May 5 in the US and will be shown on Sky One here in the UK.