Channel 4 has begun production on “Falling,” a new drama penned by Jack Thorne, the acclaimed writer behind “His Dark Materials” and “Help.” This time, Thorne turns his attention to a love story, albeit one with a distinctly Thorne-esque twist. The series, set to film in Wales and Bristol, stars Keeley Hawes and Paapa Essiedu as two people whose paths should probably never have crossed.
Hawes plays Anna, a devoted nun, while Essiedu takes on the role of David, a Catholic priest. Their unexpected love for each other forms the crux of the story, forcing them to confront their vows and their relationship with God. It’s a premise ripe with dramatic potential, exploring themes of faith, forbidden love, and the choices we make in the name of devotion.
Joining Hawes and Essiedu are a host of familiar faces, including Rakie Ayola, Jason Watkins, Niamh Cusack, Adrian Scarborough, David Dawson, Susan Brown, and Sandra Voe. Newcomers Holly Rhys and Shayde Sinclair round out the cast. With Peter Hoar (“It’s A Sin,” “The Last of Us”) in the director’s chair, the six-part series looks to be in capable hands.
Channel 4’s Commissioning Editor, Gwawr Lloyd, calls “Falling” nothing short of “extraordinary.” And with Thorne’s track record of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, it’s hard to argue. The series, produced by The Forge Entertainment, is executive produced by George Ormond, George Faber, and Thorne himself, with Joe Donaldson producing.
