Channel 4 has released the first trailer for ‘Falling‘, a major new six-part drama from Jack Thorne (Adolescence, Help), and it looks like it could be one of the channel’s most emotionally charged new series.
Described as Thorne’s first ever love story, ‘Falling’ stars Keeley Hawes (Scoop, Miss Austen) as Anna, a devoted nun, and Paapa Essiedu (Black Mirror, The Lazarus Project) as David, a Catholic priest. Both are deeply committed to their faith, their work in the church, and the communities around them. That makes things rather complicated when they unexpectedly fall in love and are forced to confront what that means for their vows, their beliefs, and their relationship with God.
It is a strong hook for a drama, and one that feels very Jack Thorne in the best way. He has always had a knack for pulling huge emotional weight out of very human situations, and ‘Falling’ seems to be leaning into that with a mix of romance, conflict, and quiet heartbreak. Channel 4 is calling it a witty, moving, contemporary romantic drama, and the trailer definitely suggests something intimate, character-driven, and likely to stir up plenty of debate once it lands.
Alongside Hawes and Essiedu, the series also features Jason Watkins (Coma, The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies) as Peter, Niamh Cusack (The Virtues, Heartbeat) as Francesca, Rakie Ayola (The Pact, Kaos) as Muriel, David Dawson (My Policeman, The Last Kingdom) as Phil, and Adrian Scarborough (Gavin and Stacey, The Chelsea Detective) as Francis. Earlier casting details also confirmed Susan Brown (Mr Bates vs The Post Office, It’s A Sin), Sandra Voe (Howards End, Vera Drake), plus newcomers Holly Rhys and Shayde Sinclair.
The drama comes from The Forge, the company behind titles including ‘National Treasure’, ‘The Buccaneers’, ‘Generation Z’ and ‘A Woman of Substance’. That pedigree, combined with Thorne’s writing and a cast this strong, makes ‘Falling’ feel like one of those Channel 4 dramas that could really cut through when it arrives.
Behind the camera, the series is executive produced by George Ormond, George Faber, Jack Thorne and Peter Hoar, with Joe Donaldson producing. Hoar directed the first block, with Sasha Ransome directing the second. Filming took place in Bristol and Wales, and Banijay Rights is handling international distribution.
There is also a nice sense that this is aiming for more than just a forbidden romance setup. The premise has obvious emotional stakes, but it also opens the door to a much broader exploration of faith, duty, identity, and the cost of choosing your own path when every part of your life is built around service to something bigger than yourself. With Hawes and Essiedu leading it, that should make for a very compelling watch.
‘Falling‘ does not yet have a premiere date but will air “soon” on Channel 4 in the UK. 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.
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