The six-part drama is based on the hit Swedish series of the same name and also stars Vincent Regan and Patrick Gibson.
Lesley Sharp leads the cast as Detective Hannah Laing who becomes deeply conflicted when she discovers her son is playing a crucial role as an undercover informant in a brutal murder investigation.
Patrick Gibson plays her mixed-up son Christian, Vincent Regan plays Billy Murdoch, a non-conformist investigator, who is seconded to Hannah’s unit to advise on Eastern European drug gangs and Croatian actor Toni Gojanović takes on the role of Davor Mimica the leader of the criminal gang.
Channel 4's Head of Drama Caroline Hollick said "Every episode of Before We Die is a rollercoaster of excitement – and I’m so delighted to have Lesley Sharp bring her trademark gravitas and charisma to Channel 4. It’s a privilege to be part of this truly inspiring European collaboration."
The drama is being adapted by Matt Baker and being produced by newly formed production company Eagle Eye Drama, launched by the same team behind global drama brand, Walter Presents.
It's their second drama commission and will be filmed in Bristol and Belgium later this year. Serving as Executive Producers will be Jo McGrath, Walter Iuzzolino and Bert Hamelinck.
Jo McGrath said "Before We Die is a powerful and original series which uses the grammar and architecture of a nail-biting crime thriller to tell the compelling emotional story of a mother and son’s dysfunctional relationship, beautifully juxtaposed against the close-knit ties of the crime family they are trying to bring to justice."
"Before We Die stands out as truly distinctive crime drama and I can think of no better actress than Lesley Sharp to bring this complex lead character to life."
Before We Die will air on Channel 4