Adolescence creator Jack Thorne is back with a brand new and unexpected drama starring Keeley Hawes that’s set to be ‘the most extraordinary show’. Keeley stars opposite Paapa Essiedu as a nun in love in new drama Falling for Channel 4, which sees a moving yet complicated relationship unfold.

The series is BAFTA award-winning writer Jack Thorne's first romance, which Channel 4 describes in a release as ‘a unique and compelling love story’ charting the relationship between a nun, Anna (Keeley Hawes) and a priest, David (Paapa Essiedu). Speaking ahead of the project, Keeley said she was, ‘looking forward to working alongside the brilliant Paapa Essiedu to bring Jack Thorne’s beautiful scripts to life.’

Here’s everything we know about the drama so far, including where to watch...

What to read next

What is Falling about?

pictured: anna (keeley hawes) and david (paapa essiedu)
Channel 4

In Falling, we meet Anna (Keeley Hawes), a devoted nun who is deeply committed to her faith and the wider community. David (Paapa Essiedu) is a Catholic priest who is equally devoted to his church, and both have made a lifelong vow to commit themselves to God. Then, they fall in love.

Neither expected that love was on the cards for them, leaving both ‘forced to wrestle with what it means for them, their vows, and their relationship with God,’ explains the Channel 4 synopsis. The storytelling is described as ‘witty, moving,’ and ‘honest’ as well as being ‘full of heart’.

Speaking about the new drama, Paapa described it as ‘a story that has Jack Thorne’s singular talent of mining the sublime out of the ordinary running all the way through’.

Who is in the Falling cast?

pictured: anna (keeley hawes) and david (paapa essiedu)
Channel 4

‘We feel so lucky we have persuaded the mighty (and lovely) Keeley Hawes, the brilliant (and also lovely) Paapa Essiedu and the most amazing company of (lovely) actors to come make this with us,’ said Jack Thorne on the casting of the new drama. Starring alongside Keeley and Paapa in the Falling are:

  • Rakie Ayola (The Pact, Kaos)
  • Jason Watkins (Coma, The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies)
  • Niamh Cusack (The Virtues, Heartbeat)
  • Adrian Scarborough (Gavin And Stacey, The Chelsea Detective)
  • David Dawson (My Policeman, The Last Kingdom)
  • Susan Brown (Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, It’s A Sin)
  • Sandra Voe (Howards End, Vera Drake)
  • Holly Rhys
  • Shayde Sinclair

How can I watch Falling?

The drama will air on Channel 4 as six 60-minute episodes. The release date hasn’t officially been confirmed yet, but filming is currently underway in Wales and Bristol, so we’re hoping we won’t have too much longer to wait.