Filming Begins on Jack Thorne’s New Drama Falling for Channel 4

Images: Channel 4 Press

By Jon Donnis

Production is underway in Wales and Bristol on Falling, a brand new 6-part drama for Channel 4 from The Forge Entertainment. The series is the first ever love story written by BAFTA winner Jack Thorne, best known for Help and Adolescence, and stars Keeley Hawes and Paapa Essiedu in the lead roles.

Keeley Hawes plays Anna, a devoted nun. Paapa Essiedu takes on the role of David, a Catholic priest. Both are firmly rooted in their religious vocations and deeply committed to serving their communities. But when an unexpected connection draws them together, they are forced to question everything, their vows, their identity, and their relationship with faith itself.

This is not a typical romance. Falling is described as witty, heartfelt, and emotionally honest. It explores love through a different lens, balancing spiritual conflict with personal desire, and it poses difficult questions about loyalty, identity, and purpose.

The show brings together a strong ensemble cast. Alongside Hawes and Essiedu are Rakie Ayola, Jason Watkins, Niamh Cusack, Adrian Scarborough, David Dawson, Susan Brown, and Sandra Voe. Two fresh faces, Holly Rhys and Shayde Sinclair, also make their TV debuts.

Keeley Hawes expressed her excitement about the project, saying she's thrilled to be working with Essiedu and bringing Thorne's "beautiful scripts to life." Essiedu added that the story captures the extraordinary within the ordinary, a hallmark of Thorne's writing.

Jack Thorne himself admitted he never expected to write a love story but is eager to share this one, praising both the cast and director Peter Hoar for helping bring his vision to the screen.

The six-part series is directed by Peter Hoar, known for work on The Last of Us and It's A Sin, and produced by Joe Donaldson. Executive producers include Thorne, George Ormond, and George Faber. The series was commissioned by Channel 4's Gwawr Lloyd and Ollie Madden, with Banijay Rights handling international distribution.

Broadcast dates are yet to be announced.