BBC’s new 33-year-old Hercule Poirot is unnerving with completely different moustache

For millions, when you think of Hercule Poirot, the TV legend David Suchet rocking a twee moustache immediately springs to mind.

Now, the BBC is reinventing Agatha Christie’s famed literary detective for a new generation with My Lady Jane star Edward Bluemel donning the suit and whipping out the magnifying glass for a new set of mysteries to solve in Hercule.

The casting choice raised eyebrows when he was first announced, especially given how young the actor is at only 33. For comparison, David was 43, a whole decade older, when he assumed the role in 1989.

Now, with the BBC releasing our first look at Edward’s take on this beloved character for a prequel series, his age isn’t the only stark difference between the Poirot from the days of yore and this brand-spanking-new one.

But before we get to the glaring difference, first let’s take a step back. Clearly, the BBC is going down the traditional route, with Edward’s version wearing a traditional grey-brown tweed suit jacket, three-point folded pocket handkerchief, the iconic Hombourg hat in hand and coiffed hair that lands in neat curls.

Of course, then we come to the moustache. For David, the handlebar-style moustache became synonymous with his interpretation of the character, curving up at either edge, twinning with the Monopoly Man.

The vision for Edward’s character could not be more different, with a straight-laced tache neatly hugging his lip line. It’s perhaps a little unsettling to look at for too long – especially when trying to connect the dots to Poirot.

Of course, David is not the only actor to play Poirot on screen, and Edward is also following in the footsteps of stars like John Moffatt, Peter Ustinov and Kenneth Branagh who put their own distinctive mark on the character.

Also, this is not the Sex Education star’s first Christie rodeo, and he starred in Netflix’s Seven Dials adaptation earlier this year.

Fans will have to get used to Edwards’ new look, however, if they want to enjoy the Belgian detective when he hits screens for a new six-part series.

Taking us back to the very start, the first season will feature three early stories from the 20th-century novelists’ repertoire, before the height of Poirot’s notoriety, aka his origin story – which explains Edward’s younger age.

The season will also introduce our plucky sleuth to future friends and allies such as his burgeoning friendship with Captain Arthur Hastings and his early encounters with Scotland Yard’s James Japp. Not to mention bringing at least one nemesis on his tail.

In that vein, he’ll be joined by a stacked cast including My Lady Jane co-star Henry Ashton, Jack Gleeson, Tamsin Greig, James Nesbitt, Calvin Demba, Guy Remmers and Mawaan Rizwan.

Speaking on his casting when his role was announced, Edward said: ‘I feel very lucky to have been trusted with such an iconic character who has been played by so many great actors. I can’t wait to continue Hercule’s legacy.’

Hercule will premiere on BBC One and iPlayer in 2027.