The cryptic comedy-drama stars Mitchell as John “Ludwig” Taylor, a reclusive puzzle designer who assumes the identity of his twin brother – a detective chief inspector – after he goes missing.

With series two of the BBC detective series currently airing and a third series in production, the broadcaster has announced a special episode for the festive season.

It will see the actor behind one of television’s most famous detectives, Hercule Poirot, having the tables turned, with Sir David taking on the role of a murder suspect.

Other stars who will appear in the special include Utopia actress Alexandra Roach and comedian Kiell Smith-Bynoe.

Set in Yorkshire, the special sees John (Mitchell), Lucy (Maxwell Martin) and her son Henry (Dylan Hughes) arrive at a Christmas-themed hotel for a much-needed escape, until a blackout turns the festivities into a locked-room murder mystery.

Trapped by a blizzard and cut off from the outside world, the guests must spend the night with a killer in their midst.

With John reluctantly pulled into one of his strangest puzzles yet, the race is on for the Taylors to solve the crime before Christmas.

Mitchell said: “I have long been a huge admirer of Sir David Suchet’s work and have watched every episode of Poirot several times, so it was a dream come true for me when he agreed to appear in the Ludwig Christmas special.

“He was an absolute joy to work and spend time with – funny, interesting and generous – and his performance in the programme is wonderful.”

Sir David added: “It was an absolute pleasure to work alongside David Mitchell and the wonderful ensemble cast.

“It made quite the refreshing change to be playing a suspect rather than the detective, and to sit comfortably in my armchair while David delivered the denouement. I had a thoroughly enjoyable time.”

The first series of Ludwig attracted more than 9.5 million viewers in 28 days and became the BBC’s biggest scripted series since 2024 and the biggest comedy launch episode since at least 2018.