Jack Thorne brings us a forbidden love story, while Daisy Haggard heads into witness protection. 

As part of a raft of new commissions, Channel 4 has confirmed that the celebrated writer Jack Thorne (Toxic Town, Lord of the Flies) has penned them a new original series.

Falling is Thorne’s first love story and described as “… a contemporary and deeply romantic drama that will surprise you in its study of faith in modern society as well as moving you to tears with its honesty and its heart.”

Here’s the synopsis for Falling:

Anna is a devoted nun who has spent most of her adult life in a convent whilst David, a catholic priest, is at the top of his game, committed to his work in the church and the Bristol community that surrounds it. Neither are expected to fall in love… However, when they do, both Anna and David are forced to wrestle with what it means for them, their vows, and their relationship with God.

The six-part show comes from The Forge, with Peter Hoar (It’s A Sin) directing. Joe Donaldson (Ripper Street, Peaky Blinders) produces.

Maya

Channel 4 have also announced Maya from creator and writer Daisy Haggard (Back to Life, Breeders), who also stars. The series follows the story of mother and daughter as they are forced into witness protection.

Here’s what we know about Maya:

Leaving their lives in London behind, Anna played by Daisy Haggard and her teenage daughter Maya must take on new identities and relocate to a small rural town. As they try to adjust to their new reality, the trauma of their past continues to haunt them and the sinister presence of two hitmen leaves a trail of unease as they search for the missing mother and daughter. As the walls close in on them it becomes clear that the dangerous figure from their past is still a looming threat.

 Interwoven throughout with warmth, humour and the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter, Maya is an exploration of identity, predatory male behaviour, and the lengths a parent will go to protect their child. With compelling performances and a darkly comedic, atmospheric tone, the series promises to be an unmissable psychological thriller.

As Anna and Maya navigate their new world, the question remains: will the system protect them, will they ever truly be safe, or will they have to go to extraordinary lengths to protect themselves?

Maya comes from Two Brothers Pictures (The Tourist, Boat Story).

Daisy Haggard said:

“I am so excited that we finally get to share Maya with the world! It has been brewing and building in my mind for a long time and I feel extremely fortunate to be able to shine a light on these kinds of stories. I can’t wait to go on this journey with the brilliant and bold Channel 4.” 

We’ll keep you posted on Falling from Jack Thorne and Maya by Daisy Haggard as more details emerge.