Cast Announced for BBC’s Drama Series The Paradise

The BBC have revealed the cast for their new Bill Gallagher drama series The Paradise. Sarah Lancashire, David Hayman and Elaine Cassidy head up the cast for the 8 part series which begins filming in June and is based on a much loved Emile Zola novel. Also cast are Matthew McNulty (The Syndicate, Misfits), Joanna Vanderham (The Runaway, Dancing on the Edge) and Emun Elliott (Lip Service, Game Of Thrones).

Relocated to a British setting it is the story of a love affair set against the backdrop of the opening of the first department store told over eight episodes, produced by BBC Drama Productions and filmed on location in the North East of England.

Bill Gallagher, writer and creator, says: “I like writing long-run ensemble dramas because I can write for actors. Any writer would relish writing for this wonderful cast.”

Smart, ambitious and big hearted Denise Lovett (Vanderham) arrives in the city to seek work in her uncle Edmund’s shop. When he’s unable to help her, she turns to The Paradise and her eyes are opened to a whole new world of possibilities.

This impossibly glamorous store provides the catalyst for her rags-to-riches story as she falls in love with the exhilarating and dangerous charms of the modern world.

“The Paradise is the biggest BBC drama to be made in the North East,” commented Pat Connor, BBC North.

Source: BBC Media Centre