If THERE is one thing I have learned from watching the tense BBC drama The Serpent, it’s never to accept a drink from Charles Sobhraj.

Screening on BBC1 at 9pm on Sunday for three more weekends, The Serpent is the true-life story of Sobhraj, also known as Hatchand Bhaonani Gurumukh Charles Sobhraj, a French thief and murderer.

However, all episodes are available on the BBC iPlayer for those who cannot wait to find out the fate of some of those who were ‘taken in’ by Sobhraj, played brilliantly by Tahar Rahim.

Based mainly in Bangkok, The Serpent follows the investigations of Dutch Embassy worker Herman Knippenberg and his wife Angela into the disappearance of two Dutch students in the 1970s.

From there – with the aid of often complicated time jumps – the story unravels on how Sobhraj and his girlfriend Marie-Andrée Leclerc – played by former Doctor Who star Jenna Coleman sporting a broad French Canadian accent – are caught.

For those who are seeking real tension, episode three will provide that, following the storyline of Dominique, a young Frenchman who is ‘rescued’ by Sobhraj.

While some elements of the story may have changed, it is a still a hugely gripping drama worth your time.