The Rapture on BBC One: 'High-stakes thriller' adapted from bestselling novel 'crackles with danger'
The thriller is based on Liz Jensen's book of the same name
The Rapture is a “high-stakes thriller” coming soon to BBC One, described as a “hugely powerful and entertaining female led drama”. And the broadcaster has just released the trailer and first-look pictures.
Adapted from Liz Jensen’s bestselling novel of the same name, it follows forensic psychologist Gabs Fox who starts a new job at a high-security psychiatric hospital. There she meets 17-year-old Bethany, who was convicted of murdering her own mother, but claims she is innocent.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming BBC One thriller The Rapture, including the plot, cast, start date, and location.
What is the plot of The Rapture on BBC One?
The Rapture on BBC One is a thriller which “crackles with danger”. Set during a summer of merciless heat, we meet forensic psychologist Gabs Fox, who is trying to rebuild her career by taking a job at a high-security psychiatric hospital. Once there, she is assigned to 17-year-old Bethany Krall – who was convicted of murdering her own mother, but insists she’s innocent.
Meanwhile, Bethany is estranged from her father Leonard, the charismatic leader of a huge religious cult movement.
The BBC synopsis of The Rapture reveals: “Bethany tells Gabs that she has psychic powers and can predict the future – but what will it take for Gabs to believe her? And if Bethany didn’t kill her mother, then who did?”
Series Executive Producer Rebecca Durbin says: “The Rapture is a hugely powerful and entertaining female led drama, which is charged with timely, important and deeply resonant themes.”
How many episodes is the BBC One adaptation of The Rapture?
The series is five parts. Each episode is one-hour long.
Filming recently took place in Wales, supported by Creative Wales.
How can I watch it? When’s the start date?
The Rapture will land on BBC One on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 9pm. Episode 1 will air that night, with the second instalment airing the next night at the same time.
It’s a primetime slot for the thriller, and will also be available to watch as a boxset on BBC iPlayer.
Is The Rapture on BBC One based on a book?
The upcoming BBC One adaptation of The Rapture is based on Liz Jensen’s bestselling 2009 novel of the same name. The synopsis of the book tells us: “In a merciless summer of biblical heat and destructive winds, Gabrielle Fox’s main concern is to rebuild her career as a psychologist after a shattering car accident.
“But, when she is assigned a patient who is the most dangerous teenager in the country, she begins to fear she has made a terrible mistake…”
The Times described it as: “An end-of-days blockbuster to haunt your nightmares… Unputdownable”.
Fans called the book “apocalyptic”, “compelling”, and “excellent”.
Who’s in the cast?
Ruth Madeley plays forensic psychologist Gabs Fox in the cast of The Rapture on BBC One. She says: “It’s a total joy to lead such a powerful and vibrant series. The Rapture is an incredibly special project to me.”
Ruth famously played Rosie Lyons in the BBC sci-fi drama Years and Years. She also received a BAFTA nomination for her role in the 2015 BBC drama Don’t Take My Baby. Moreover, she played Barbara Lisicki in the disability rights drama Then Barbara Met Alan. Ruth’s TV credits also include Doctor Who, Cold Feet and Outnumbered.
India Amarteifio plays 17-year-old Bethany Krall. India shot to fame as Queen Charlotte in the 2023 Bridgerton spin-off. But despite widespread critical acclaim, Queen Charlotte didn’t get a second series. Previous to that she was in the 2022 sci-fi series The Midwich Cuckoos, which starred Keeley Hawes. Her other credits include Doctor Who, Line of Duty and The Tunnel.
Sam Hazeldine plays cult leader father Leonard. Sam appeared as a far-right extremist in the first series of Slow Horses. Additionally, he starred as Adar in The Rings of Power series 2.
Gavin & Stacey‘s Ruth Jones and Poldark’s Jack Farthing are among the big names appearing. Also in the cast are Game of Thrones’ Iwan Rheon, The Gold‘s Stephen Campbell Moore, and COBRA’s Lisa Palfrey.
Completing the cast of BBC One’s The Rapture are Temple’s Siena Kelly, House of David’s Naby Dakhli, Coronation Street’s Richard Elis Until I Kill You‘s Dean Rehman, and Masters of the Air’s Robert Rhodes.
The Rapture filming locations
The upcoming thriller was filmed in Wales.
At the moment, all we know is that cast and crew set camp in Cardiff in August 2025. So we can expect to see the famous university and castle at some point.
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