Hilary Mantel has cast Ben Miles to narrate the audiobooks of her Wolf Hall trilogy, revealing he helped shape the final part, The Mirror and the Light.

The actor starred as Thomas Cromwell in the RSC‘s performances of Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies in 2014, before transferring to New York where he was nominated for a Tony Award.

He will now read an unabridged audio version of the final instalment, which is released on 5th March, followed by new recordings of the first two books.

Mantel explained: “Having played Thomas Cromwell on stage in Stratford-upon-Avon, in the West End and on Broadway, Ben understands the main character from the inside. His insights from the rehearsal room helped shape the story. He is familiar with how all the characters grow, from first page to last. His voice is as close as can be to the voice that’s in my head as I write.”

Miles is currently starring in the BBC drama The Trial of Christine Keeler.

He said: “It is always a thrill to visit the world created by Hilary and walk alongside Thomas Cromwell, but it is a particular delight to revisit Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies as narrator of these wonderful stories for the audiobook versions. Reading aloud The Mirror And The Light to complete the trilogy is such a rare privilege: It is a monumental final act, and to be a part of its genesis and future life is nothing short of an honour.”