Anna Friel to lead 5's new thriller The Heights

It's based on Louise Candlish's bestselling novel of the same name.

5 has announced a new six-part adaptation of Louise Candlish's bestselling novel The Heights, starring Anna Friel as working mum Ellen, who is happily living in London, devoted to her family and fiercely protective of her children.

But when her teenage son Lucas, played by newcomer Kit Redding, brings new friend Kieran, played by Conrad Khan, home, cracks began to appear in Ellen’s family life. Kieran is rude, reckless and manipulative, leading Lucas astray, wasting his promise.

As Lucas falls deeper under Kieran’s influence, Ellen becomes increasingly desperate to protect him, but a devastating tragedy leaves her consumed by grief, rage and a growing obsession with the truth.

Jumping between the past and present day, family secrets and lies unravel in this thrilling new series which will also star Diarmuid Noyes as ex-husband Vic, Stephen Tompkinson as Ratcliffe, Mark Stobbart as Justin, Charis Agbonlahor as Prisca, Natasha Raphael as Freya, Yasmine Odofin as Jade, and Jolly Abraham as DI Wilson.

On leading 5's new thriller, Anna Friel said "Really excited to be diving into this world, to work with our brilliant director Dominic and wonderful crew. We have such a strong creative team, and I hope we make something moving and entertaining."

To which Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer, 5 added "We’re thrilled to bring this adaptation of Louise Candlish’s best-selling novel to UK screens. The Heights is a key part of 5’s 2026 drama slate and we’re so pleased to have Anna Friel leading a stellar cast."

On her novel being adapted, Louise Candlish said "I couldn’t be happier to see The Heights adapted for 5 by the brilliant team at Clapperboard. Anna Friel is one of the finest acting talents of our generation and for her to be headlining as Ellen is truly a thrill."

To which Mike Benson, Managing Director, Clapperboard Studios added "I am a huge fan of all of Louise’s novels which are always in equal parts so characterful and thrilling – so we are delighted she agreed to trust us with The Heights."

"To have an actress of the calibre of Anna join the project, along with Simon’s brilliant screenwriting and Dom’s artful direction, is testament to the strength of the book. We’re appreciative of our friends at 5 and FOX for backing the show and can’t wait to bring it to audiences both in the UK and globally."

Made by Clapperboard Studios, The Heights is written by Simon Tyrrell, produced by Emma Foley and directed by Dominic Leclerc, who also serves as executive producer alongside Louise Candlish, Kate Croft and Mike Benson.

And Prentiss Fraser, President of FOX Entertainment Global, who will distribute the series internationally, said "The Heights is exactly the kind of premium, emotionally gripping storytelling that resonates with audiences around the world. With Louise Candlish’s compelling novel, a standout creative team at Clapperboard Studios, and Anna Friel delivering a powerhouse lead performance, we’re proud to work with 5 on this exceptional series and look forward to bringing it to international audiences through FOX Entertainment Global."

The Heights will air later this year on 5