Filming has begun on ‘Open Water’, the BBC’s adaptation of Caleb Azumah Nelson’s acclaimed debut novel, with Toheeb Jimoh (Ted Lasso, Industry) and Dujonna Gift (Snow White, Ludwig) confirmed in the leading roles.
The eight-part romantic drama is currently shooting in Birmingham and London for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. Toheeb Jimoh stars as Marcus, while Dujonna Gift takes on the role of Effie in her first leading television performance.
Marcus works in retail while attempting to develop a career as a photographer. Effie is studying dance at university in Dublin. From the moment they meet, there is an immediate connection, although there is one rather significant complication. Effie is already in a relationship with Marcus’ friend Samuel.
Marcus is unwilling to cross that boundary, but the pair are drawn closer through a shared project photographing and documenting Black creatives across London. Their friendship soon begins to develop into something deeper, leaving them to navigate love, loyalty and whether their relationship can survive the obstacles standing between them.
The BBC describes ‘Open Water’ as a tender, intimate and deeply romantic exploration of love, identity and belonging, told with warmth, honesty and emotional depth.
Toheeb Jimoh made his screen debut in the BBC’s Jimmy McGovern-penned drama Anthony before earning a Primetime Emmy nomination for his role as Sam Obisanya in Ted Lasso. He most recently appeared in the fourth season of banking drama Industry.
Dujonna Gift previously appeared in Disney’s live-action Snow White, starred in the original West End production of Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), and will appear in the upcoming second series of BBC detective comedy-drama Ludwig.
“This is a dream project for me. I fell in love with Marcus and Caleb’s story immediately. It’s such a sensitive, character rich, love story, delicately told and full of all the details of the south London I grew up in. It’s such an honour to be a part of this team and I can’t wait to share this one with you all,” commented Toheeb Jimoh.
Dujonna Gift added: “There are certain roles that remind you why you once fell in love with storytelling and for me, this is one of them. To be able to step into Effie’s shoes and to bring a South London love story to screen, a story that many people already have been able to fall in love with, that is deeply rooted in the communities that shaped me is such an honour. I cannot wait for everyone to experience this new life of Caleb’s beautiful writing and for us all to swim with Effie & Marcus”
Joining the two leads are Rhianna Dorris (Lockwood & Co.), Lamar Waves (The Tower), Nadine Marshall (Random), Henrietta Pearl Quartey, Hope Ikpoku Jnr (Top Boy), Sekou Diaby (Animol, Boarders), Tara Tijani (Death in Paradise), Enva Lewis (How To Have Sex), Nash Nørgaard (Death of Ivan Ilyich), Stevie Odu (Boiling Point), Renee Bailey (Call The Midwife) and Jayden Fowora Knight (The Nutcracker and the Four Realms).
The wider cast also includes Janina Elkin (The Queen’s Gambit), Sherise Blackman (Bridgerton), Matthew Dunster (Coronation Street), Neve McDonnell (G’wed), Javier Bonaparte, Beaux Bryant (Stolen Dreams Redemption), Mo Sesay (The Diplomat) and Abdul Salis (F1).
“The process of bringing Open Water from page to screen has been amazing, and I’ve found some truly outstanding collaborators. We rarely see love stories like this and everyone, from crew to cast, has put their whole heart into this production to make it happen. I can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on,” said Caleb Azumah Nelson.
Nelson serves as lead writer, director and executive producer on the adaptation. Tally Garner executive produces for Mam Tor Productions alongside Matimba Kabalika for B-Side Productions, Rebecca Ferguson for the BBC and Nelson. Karlvyn Dove produces, while acclaimed composer and musician Cassie Kinoshi will create an original score.
The production also paid tribute to the late Danielle Scott-Haughton, who served as a BBC executive producer on the series during its development. She was described as a passionate advocate for the project who brought warmth, creativity and unwavering support to the production.
‘Open Water’ will premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. A premiere date has not yet been announced.
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