Keeley Hawes and Paapa Essiedu lead new Channel 4drama 'Falling'
Filming is now underway in Wales and Bristol on Falling, an ambitious new drama for Channel 4 from The Forge Entertainment, a Banijay UK company known for acclaimed hits like National Treasure, The Buccaneers, and Marriage.
The series stars Keeley Hawes (Scoop, Miss Austen) as Anna, a devoted nun, and Paapa Essiedu (Black Mirror, The Lazarus Project) as David, a Catholic priest, in what marks BAFTA-winning writer Jack Thorne’s (Adolescence, Help) first foray into a love story.
Anna and David are both deeply committed to their roles within the Church and their wider communities. Neither expects to fall in love. But when the unexpected happens, they must grapple with the consequences — for their faith, their vows, and their sense of purpose. Falling is a heartfelt, witty, and contemporary romantic drama that explores the complexities of love, belief, and personal truth.
Joining the cast are Rakie Ayola (The Pact, Kaos), Jason Watkins (Coma, The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies), Niamh Cusack (The Virtues, Heartbeat), Adrian Scarborough (Gavin and Stacey, The Chelsea Detective), David Dawson (My Policeman, The Last Kingdom), Susan Brown (Mr Bates vs The Post Office, It’s A Sin), and Sandra Voe (Howards End, Vera Drake). The series will also introduce rising talents Holly Rhys and Shayde Sinclair in their television debuts.
Keeley Hawes says: “I’m thrilled to be taking on the role of Anna and so looking forward to working alongside the brilliant Paapa Essiedu to bring Jack Thorne’s beautiful scripts to life.”
Paapa Essiedu says: “Falling is a story that has Jack Thorne’s singular talent of mining the sublime out of the ordinary running all the way through. I can’t wait to work with Keeley, Peter and the rest of the team to bring this world to life.”
Jack Thorne says: “I never thought I’d write a love story, but I am very excited to be making one with the brilliant Peter Hoar. We feel so lucky we have persuaded the mighty (and lovely) Keeley Hawes, the brilliant (and also lovely) Paapa Essiedu and the most amazing company of (lovely) actors to come make this with us, The Forge and Channel 4.”
The series will air across six, hour long episodes.