Matthew Le Nevez will bring to life the story of one of Australia’s greatest and most complex sporting heroes, in what the network is describing as the most anticipated television event of 2016: Brock. 

The cast will also include Ella Scott Lynch as Bev Brock, Steve Bisley as Harry Firth and Natalie Bassingthwaighte as Julie Bamford. 

Le Nevez, best-known for his role as Dr Patrick Reid in the drama Offspring, is no stranger to portraying real-life individuals. 

“It’s a privilege to be involved in the Brock project. Growing up as a kid, I watched Peter conquer the mountain many times and now to be playing him, I am extremely excited. I hope to honour the man, his family, and his legacy. He is an Aussie icon like no other,” he said.

Ella Scott Lynch, who has starred in Home And Away, All Saints, Janet King and Love Child, will play Brock’s partner of more than 28 years and mother of his two children, Robert and Alexandra. 

Bisley will take on the role of Brock’s friend and team manager, who first recruited Brock to drive in the Holden Driving Team in 1969 and three years later saw Brock win the first of his nine Bathurst 500/1000 crowns. 

Familiar to Australians for her work in Neighbours and Underbelly: The Golden Mile, as well as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance Australia and The X Factor Australia, Bassingthwaighte will play Brock’s girlfriend when he died. 

While the network couldn’t confirm whether filming will take place in Bathurst, it did say production will commence shortly.

Network Ten head of drama Rick Maier said Brock was a hero to generations of Australians, but was also a complex man. 

“He was loved and admired by many, but few knew the real Peter Brock,” he said.

“He made his name on the track, winning Bathurst 500/1000 nine times, but it was his life off the track that earned him the nickname ‘Not so Perfect Peter’. He was complex, troubled and full of self-doubt. An enigma. He was also a champion. 

“Attention to detail on Brock has been second to none and now, with this brilliant cast attached, this production is ready to hit the track.”