The BBC has released the first pictures from ‘Open Water’, its upcoming eight-part drama starring Toheeb Jimoh (Industry, Ted Lasso) and Dujonna Gift (Ludwig, Snow White). Filming has recently wrapped in Birmingham and London, with the series set to arrive on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in 2027.
Based on Caleb Azumah Nelson’s acclaimed debut novel, the story follows Marcus, played by Jimoh, and Effie, played by Gift. Marcus works in retail while trying to build a career as a photographer. Effie is studying dance at university in Dublin. Their connection is immediate, but there’s a fairly substantial complication: Effie is in a relationship with Marcus’s friend Samuel, and Marcus refuses to cross that line.
A project photographing and documenting Black creatives in London brings Marcus and Effie together again. As their friendship grows, so does the attraction neither can easily ignore. The first-look images show the pair sharing quiet moments alongside a scene on a packed dance floor, offering a glimpse of the intimacy at the heart of the series.
The drama follows their relationship as it moves from a crush towards something deeper, while asking whether finding the right person is enough when the path to being together is far from straightforward. It is a story about love and desire, but also about the creative lives Marcus and Effie are trying to build for themselves.
Nelson is closely involved in bringing his novel to screen, serving as lead writer, director and executive producer. Composer and musician Cassie Kinoshi will create an original score, while Karlvyn Dove produces. The eight half-hour episodes are made by Mam Tor Productions and B-Side Productions, with Banijay Rights handling international distribution.
‘Open Water’ premieres in 2027 on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
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