‘Maya‘, a gripping new Channel 4 thriller created by and starring Daisy Haggard (Back To Life, Breeders), has cast Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us, Time) in the title role. The 6-part series will be co-directed by Haggard and Jamie Donoughue (Doctor Who, The Last Kingdom), and produced by Two Brothers Pictures, the team behind The Tourist and Fleabag.
The darkly comedic psychological drama follows Anna (Haggard) and her teenage daughter Maya (Ramsey), who are forced into witness protection to escape a life-threatening danger. Leaving behind their lives in London, the pair relocate to a small rural town in Scotland under new identities. But as they try to adapt, their past resurfaces—haunted by trauma and pursued by two relentless hitmen. With danger closing in, the series promises a tense and atmospheric ride, exploring themes of predatory male behaviour, family, survival, and the fierce bond between mother and daughter.
Filming will take place entirely in Scotland later this year.
Speaking about the role, Bella Ramsey said:
“This story and these characters Daisy has created are so alive, nuanced, wickedly funny and scarily dark. Every character jumps off the page, the dialogue is incredibly witty and I’m so excited to get to play Maya opposite Daisy’s Anna.”
Daisy Haggard added:
“Ever since I first dreamt up this show, there has only ever been one Maya… I wrote the part with Bella so clearly in my head and I honestly still can’t believe they want to be part of it. Bella is pure magic, just insanely talented, and I can’t wait for us to work together. I’m also thrilled to be taking the leap into directing, and excited to have the opportunity to co-direct the series alongside the brilliant Jamie Donoughue.”
Executive Producers Daisy Mount and Alex Mercer from Two Brothers praised the casting, calling Ramsey “one of the most incredible talents of their generation,” and stating she was the only choice to play Maya opposite Haggard’s Anna.
Channel 4’s Gemma Boswell, Commissioning Editor for Drama, commented:
“We are thrilled to have Bella join the cast of Maya. It’s testament to the wit and depth of Daisy’s writing to entice such fantastic talent and we can’t wait to see the dynamic of Maya and Anna on-screen.”
Maya was commissioned for Channel 4 by Ollie Madden and Gemma Boswell, and will be distributed by All3Media International. Haggard also serves as Executive Producer alongside Harry and Jack Williams, Sarah Hammond, Alex Mercer, and Daisy Mount. Kenny Tanner will produce, and Shaheen Baig handles casting.
If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date. Visit Never Miss.
Login to Geektown