Jack Davenport isn't holding his breath for a "Smash" renewal. Instead, the "Coupling" star has signed on for the ITV period medical drama "Breathless."

Of course, "Breathless" is only a six-episode series, so if "Smash" somehow bucks insanely low ratings and gets a renewal, Davenport would be able to return.

Set in 1961, "Breathless" focuses on a group of doctors and nurses at a London hospital, with Davenport playing brilliant and charismatic surgeon Otto Powell, who risks imprisonment under England's abortion laws of the time.

"Breathless" was created by Paul Unwin and Peter Grimsdale, with Simon Tyrrell also serving as writer.

The rest of the cast has yet to be announced. "Breathless" also, of course, doesn't have American distribution yet.

Kate Bartlett, executive producer for ITV Studios blurbs "'Breathless' is an exhilarating and charismatic character drama, set against a glamorous London backdrop. The medical stories and events are there to illuminate and complicate the lives of our key characters and 1961 is a fascinating time in which to explore the changing role of women in society."