CHANNEl 4's new cop drama from the writer of hit-show Shameless writer starts tonight starring Bradford actress Charlie Clark.

The 20-year-old, who still lives at home with her family in Idle, is in all eight episodes of the new police series.

It tells the story of an unorthodox mix of tough but big-hearted detectives who go above and beyond to bring down the criminal rabble in a crumbling cop-shop.

The team is led by DI Vivienne Deering drug labs, arsonists, neo-Nazis and notorious murderers are all in a day’s work.

In the very first episode when a particularly twisted serial killer emerges it leaves even the most hardened of those seasoned police officers reeling. They have to crack the disturbing case by whatever unconventional means possible.

Charlie has already had roles in Brit flick Clubbed, ITV period drama Just Henry and in 2011 scooped the Most Promising Newcomer title at the Royal Television Society (RTS) Yorkshire Awards for her part in the gritty South Riding adaptation.

She said getting the new role of victim Cathy Calvert had filled her with confidence for an exciting screen future.

Although each episode will tell a different story, her character's story -which kicks off the series about the hunt for a serial killer - carries through until the final shocking show.

"Cathy comes into the show as a victim with such terrible injuries that her identity is mistaken by a serial killer. She is saved by DC Dinah Kowalska, who then takes her in and it goes from there. It is gripping. People will be hooked," said Charlie.

"I'm hoping this will be my lucky break. I've got a very good feeling it will be. If it gets the views, there is more to come," she added.

Charlie, who went to Intake School in Bramley studying performing arts, had originally wanted to be midwife and while waiting for screen opportunities had been searching for other types of work elsewhere.

"All the jobs I tried for I got knocked back. It was big knock to my confidence but getting this role in No Offence has been amazing. I feel as though I can go and do anything I want now," she said.

Other names sharing screen space with her from tonight are Joanna Scanlan from The Thick of It, Will Mellor of Dates and Broadchurch and Paul Ritter from Friday Night Dinner and Vera.

The first episode airs tonight on Channel 4 at 9pm .

Charlie will be watching at home with family and friends, but has had a sneak preview.

"It's the first time I've watched myself and thought, 'wow I did good!' I'm hoping everyone agrees."