Black Doves star Andrew Buchan has described co-star Keira Knightley as “utterly mesmeric”.

Buchan, 47, known for Broadchurch and The Crown, reprised his role as Knightley’s on-screen husband and soon-to-be UK prime minister, Wallace Webb, in the second series of the Netflix spy-thriller.

The hit show follows professional spy Helen Webb (Knightley) as she leads a double life executing covert operations for a shadowy organisation of secret agents known as the Black Doves.

Speaking to the Press Association, Buchan said: “Keira is just a complete delight to work with, and has been from the get-go.

“Very down to earth, very professional, just very brilliant, very mesmeric to watch.”

Knightley is known for starring in Pride And Prejudice, the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise, Bend It Like Beckham and Anna Karenina.

He added: “When the world thinks of Keira Knightley, their mind maybe immediately goes to certain projects, and they may be fooled into thinking that they know her.

“But the Keira of this show is this, at times, lethal, dark, dangerous, vicious person.

“Other times, this heartbreaking, vulnerable, thoughtful, caring person too, whilst all the time being just utterly, utterly mesmeric.

“She’s phenomenal. It’s been a joy to work with them, to be honest.”

The second season lands on Netflix on November 5.