Adolescence writer Jack Thorne puts true faith to the test in his new Channel 4 drama Falling. It features big name duo Paapa Essiedu and Keeley Hawes and will be his first ever on-screen love story.

The co-writer of one of this year’s most talked about Netflix dramas swaps knife crime for a religious romance in his latest project. Falling follows a devout man and woman who have devoted their lives to the church.

So imagine their surprise when they begin to develop feelings for each other. Suddenly, their dedication to a higher power is scrutinised amid the unexpected blossoming romance… Described as “honest” and “full of heart,” Falling looks set to be one of the UK’s most intriguing new shows.

It also marks a change of pace for Thorne. Over the years, his career has been loaded with sobering stories that stop us in our tracks. Many feature collaborations with Brit power-house Stephen Graham, such as 2025’s viral hit Adolescence, and 2019’s brutal drama The Virtues.

Fan favourites Paapa Essiedu and Keeley Hawes join Thorne in Falling’s journey to Channel 4. What else do we know about this highly-anticipated new show? Read on to find a series bible of sorts, featuring plot information, cast details and release date speculation. Praise be!

What is Falling on Channel 4 about?

Falling is a religious romantic drama for Channel 4.

We’re introduced to Anna, a nun who is devoted to the church. Priest David lives his life in a similar fashion. However, when the pair develop feelings for one another, their budding relationship forces them to re-evaluate their bond with the church.

A series synopsis tell us: “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. Falling is a witty, moving, contemporary romantic drama that is as honest as it is full of heart.”

Jack Thorne has written the series as his very first love story. Meanwhile, Peter Hoar will direct. He previously worked on the channel’s 2021 LGBTQA+ hit It’s A Sin, and has also directed episodes of The Last of Us, and Shetland – among countless others.

Thorne is more than happy with his new cast and crew. The screenwriter said: “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.”

Who’s in the cast?

Leading the way are Paapa Essiedu and Keeley Hawes. They’ll play devoted duo David and Anna in Falling on Channel 4.

Essiedu recently made headlines by nabbing the role of Hogwarts Professor Severus Snape in HBO‘s upcoming Harry Potter TV series. He inherits the role from Alan Rickman who famously played the part of this conflicted wizard in the movie versions of author JK Rowling’s fantasy series. Elsewhere, Essiedu delivered a memorable turn as a devilish demon in Black Mirror‘s sixth series.

He’s also known for playing Nate Akindele in Sarah Lancashire drama Kiri, Ed Washburn in Press, Kwame in I May Destroy You, and Isaac Turner in The Capture. More recently, he’s starred as Alexander Dumani in Gangs of London, and George Addo in The Lazarus Project.

Meanwhile, Keeley Hawes is one of the UK’s most bankable actressed. She’ll be familiar to many as Zoe Reynolds in BBC crime series Spooks. She also played DI Lindsay Denton in Line of Duty. Recently, she portrayed Cassandra Austen, sister to Jane, in BBC One’s 2025 historical drama Miss Austen.

A small ensemble joins the duo, but details of their roles are still inside the confession booth. Actors set to star include The Pact’s Rakie Ayola, Jack Thorne’s The Virtues co-star Niamh Cusack, and The Game actor Jason Watkins.

Gavin and Stacey’s Adrian Scarborough, Mr Bates vs The Post Office’s Susan Brown, The Last Kingdom’s David Dawson, and Vera Drake’s Sandra Voe also appear.

Thorne’s series will introduce us to some newcomers too. These include Shayde Sinclair and Holly Rhys.

How many episodes will it have?

There will be six episodes of Falling on Netflix, each lasting 60 minutes.

Filming for the series started in April 2025, with the production shooting in Wales and Bristol. From the sounds of it, Thorne’s leading couple were eager to get going.

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

Hawes has similar thoughts. She said: “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.”

When will Falling arrive on Channel 4?

Falling will air on Channel 4, but they haven’t confirmed a date yet.

As soon as it’s available, viewers will find it on the channel and on-demand via the broadcaster’s free-to-access digital streamer. Watch this space for more information when we get it.

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Falling is expected to land on Channel 4 in 2025.