Ben Whishaw is set to star in the upcoming BBC Two-AMC televised production of Adam Kay's bestselling medical memoir This Is Going To Hurt.

Lucy Forbes has also signed on to the series as the lead director.

Kay's novel recounted the story of his journey through the ranks of hospital hierarchy, working crippling hours and shouldering terrifying responsibilities.

His personal life is deeply affected in the novel as work stress slowly increases, with 97-hour weeks and life versus death decisions challenging his relationships and mental health.

Whishaw won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for his role in A Very English Scandal, alongside Hugh Grant.

The upcoming fourth season of Fargo will see Whishaw appear, with the premiere currently delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The actor lended his voice to the title character in the two Paddington films as well as his role as Q in the latest James Bond films.

Kay will serve as executive producer for the TV adaptation of his memoir, with Piers Wenger of BBC Drama commissioning the show.

“I am proud to join this exciting adaptation of Adam Kay’s terrific book This is Going to Hurt, based on his experiences working in the NHS,” Whishaw said.

“It’s an honest, hilarious, heart-breaking look at the great institution and the army of unsung heroes who work there under the most stressful conditions. The Covid-19 crisis has now shed even more light on their great work and underlines the necessity to support the NHS and its workers," he added.

"I look forward to telling this story with director Lucy Forbes and the great team at SISTER to bring Adam’s words to life and I am really grateful to be a part of it."