Keeley Hawes and Pappa Essiedu lead the six-part romantic drama. 

In February, Channel 4 announced a new drama from the prolific Jack Throne.

The dramatist has since hit the headlines with Netflix’s hard-hitting Adolescence, but his latest show is quite different. The channel describes Falling as a “witty, moving, contemporary romantic drama that is as honest as it is full of heart.”

Keeley Hawes & Pappa Essiedu (c) The Forge/Channel 4

Falling tells the story of the love between a nun and a catholic priest. With the six part series now filming, Channel 4 have revealed an impressive headline cast: Keeley Hawes (Scoop) and Pappa Essiedu (The Lazarus Project).

Keeley Hawes plays Anna, a devoted nun, while Paapa Essiedu is David, a Catholic priest. Both are deeply committed to their work in the church and in their community. Neither are expected to fall in love.  But when they do, both are forced to wrestle with what it means for them, their vows, and their relationship with God.

The show’s wider cast includes Rakie Ayola (Kaos), Jason Watkins (Coma) and Niamh Cusack (The Virtues). Plus, Adrian Scarborough (Gavin and Stacey), David Dawson (My Policeman), Susan Brown (It’s A Sin) and Sandra Voe (Howards End). Additionally, it introduces TV newcomers Holly Rhys and Shayde Sinclair.

Falling comes from The Forge, with Peter Hoar (Doctor Who) directing. Joe Donaldson (Ripper Street, Peaky Blinders) produces.

Keeley Hawes says:

“I’m thrilled to be taking on the role of Anna and so looking forward to working alongside the brilliant Paapa Essiedu to bring Jack Thorne’s beautiful scripts to life.”

Paapa Essiedu says:

“Falling is a story that has Jack Thorne’s singular talent of mining the sublime out of the ordinary running all the way through. I can’t wait to work with Keeley, Peter and the rest of the team to bring this world to life.”

Jack Thorne says:

“I never thought I’d write a love story, but I am very excited to be making one with the brilliant Peter Hoar. 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, The Forge and Channel 4.”

We’ll keep you posted on Falling.