David Tennant is to star as a villainous Marvel character with super powers in a new TV series.

The former Doctor Who star will play Zebediah Killgrave, otherwise known as the Purple Man, in the series AKA Jessica Jones that Marvel is creating for Netflix.

His character has mind control powers through his pheromones, forcing lead character Jessica - played by Krysten Ritter - to work for him.

Ritter, who has appeared in Breaking Bad, will be joined by Mike Colter who plays her husband Luke Cage, a character with superhuman strength.

The 13-episode show is closely linked to Marvel's Netflix series Daredevil, based on the comic books, which launches in April. AKA Jessica Jones will run after it finishes.

Executive producer and Marvel's head of TV, Jeph Loeb, said: "Anyone familiar with David's work knows he brings an incredible level of dedication to any role he inhabits, a level we knew we would need from the man playing Killgrave.

"While most know him for his roles as a hero, we can't wait to unleash a whole new side of this talented actor."

Tennant - who picked up a special recognition honour at the National Television Awards last week - is currently starring in ITV mystery Broadchurch. His Marvel character was first featured in the Daredevil comics.

Netflix said of the series: "After a tragic ending to her short-lived superhero stint, Jessica Jones is rebuilding her personal life and career as a detective who gets pulled into cases involving people with extraordinary abilities in New York City.

"An enigmatic figure from Jessica's past, Killgrave's reappearance will send shockwaves through the former superhero's world."

Daredevil and AKA Jessica Jones are two of four new Marvel series, the others being Iron Fist and Luke Cage, which will see Colter's character take centre stage.