The BBC has unveiled first-look images for ‘Crookhaven’, a brand new eight-part adventure drama based on JJ Arcanjo’s hit book series, coming to BBC iPlayer early next year.
Created for television by Justin Young (Death in Paradise, Sanditon, Dickensian), ‘Crookhaven’ flips the high school genre on its head with a morally complex, twist-filled story of identity, loyalty and found family.
At its heart is a secret school for crooks, where students are trained to perfect their skills and use them to bring balance, justice and order to the outside world. While uncovering the secrets of Crookhaven, the gang are also confronted by a terrifying enemy known as The Nameless.
Dougray Scott (Crime, Vigil) leads the ensemble as Caspian Lockett, the enigmatic headmaster of Crookhaven, joined by Keith Allen (Shallow Grave, Marcella) as Head of Security Erasmus Sisman and Claire Forlani (Meet Joe Black, Industry) as Caspian’s wife, Carmen.
The show also introduces a new generation of young talent. Lucas Leach (FBI International) stars as Gabriel, a pickpocketing genius, with Carmel Laniado (The Witcher, Dolittle) as his rival Penelope, the headmaster’s daughter. Alongside them are the “Crooklings”: Amari Bacchus (Adolescence) as Ade, Sani Thabo (Casualty) as Ede, and Leila Khan (Heartstopper) as Amira.
The “Legacies” are descendants of master thieves. They include Charlie Mann (Power: Origins) as Edgar, Rowan McIntosh (The Chelsea Detective) as Dorian, Aerona Shi (Goldie’s Oldies) as Jia, and Tipper Seifert Cleveland (Cruella) as Nicki.
Additional casting announced today features Julie Hesmondhalgh (Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Broadchurch) as Grandma Sue, Ruta Gedmintas (His Dark Materials) as Adria, Miltos Yerolemou (Game of Thrones) as Palombo, and Celinde Schoenmaker (Rocketman) as Miss Friedrich.
They join previously revealed cast members Naomi Wirthner (Slow Horses), Genesis Lynea (Silent Witness), Alex Mugnaioni (Mr Sloane), and Imran Yusuf (Wanderlust).
Executive producer Mark Freeland said:
“These images hint at the intrigue, tension, humour and adventure at the heart of the Crookhaven story. We can’t wait for audiences of all ages to immerse themselves into this world and to meet the unforgettable characters, played by such talented actors.”
Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning 7+ for BBC Children’s and Education, added:
“I know this audience have high expectations as we compete for their attention. From these first looks I’ve no doubt Crookhaven is set to deliver an unforgettable series that will capture their imagination as well as their screens.”
Filmed in Northern Ireland, the series is produced by BBC Studios Kids & Family for the BBC, with support from Northern Ireland Screen. Directors include Jon East (Killing Eve, Downton Abbey) and Jamie Magnus Stone (Doctor Who), with Leon McGeown-Fee producing. BBC Studios is handling global sales.
‘Crookhaven’ does not yet have a premiere date but will air on BBC iPlayer in the UK in early 2026. 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.
1 comment
Good books and I had no idea this was in the works. So this is a nice surprise
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