Keeley Hawes and Paapa Essiedu to lead Jack Thorne's new Channel 4 drama 'Falling'

It's a love story about a devoted nun and a catholic priest.

It was recently announced that Jack Thorne had written his first ever love story, Falling, for Channel 4 and as filming commences in Wales and Bristol it has been announced that Keeley Hawes will star as Anna, a devoted nun, and Paapa Essiedu as 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. Falling is a witty, moving, contemporary romantic drama that is as honest as it is full of heart.

On joining the cast of Falling, Keeley Hawes 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."

To which Paapa Essiedu added "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.”

Also joining the cast are Rakie Ayola, Jason Watkins, Niamh Cusack, Adrian Scarborough, David Dawson, Susan Brown, Sandra Voe and newcomers, Holly Rhys and Shayde Sinclair.

Speaking about Falling, Jack Thorne 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, The Forge and Channel 4."

To which Channel 4's Commissioning Editor, Drama, Gwawr Lloyd, added "The combination of Keeley Hawes and Paapa Essiedu, alongside Jack Thorne’s incredible scripts and Peter Hoar’s direction means this will be the most extraordinary show. We are so excited to bring this unique and compelling love story to Channel 4."

The six part drama will be produced by The Forge Entertainment, directed by Peter Hoar, produced by Joe Donaldson and executive produced by George Ormond, George Faber and Jack Thorne.

Falling will air on Channel 4