Adolescence writer's "contemporary romantic drama" with Harry Potter and Line of Duty stars gets confirmed release date

Channel 4 has revealed when fans can expect Adolescence writer Jack Thorne’s new drama Falling to land - and there isn’t too long to wait.

The new drama, which is being billed as a "contemporary romantic drama", will air its first two episodes on Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 May at 9pm on Channel 4. All episodes will also be available to stream on Channel 4 from 9pm on Tuesday 19 May.

The series stars Keeley Hawes (Line of Duty) as a nun called Anna and Paapa Essiedu (Black Mirror) as Catholic priest David, and follows the duo - both of whom are deeply committed to their work in the church and in their community - as they fall in love and are "forced to wrestle with what it means for them, their vows, and their relationship with God".

As well as Hawes and Essiedu, the cast also features Rakie Ayola (Kaos), Jason Watkins (Coma), Niamh Cusack (Heartbeat), Adrian Scarborough (Gavin and Stacey), David Dawson (My Policeman), Susan Brown (Mr Bates vs The Post Office), Sandra Voe (Vera Drake) and TV newcomers, Holly Rhys and Shayde Sinclair.

Thorne said in a statement: "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."

Hawes added: "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."

Essiedu further commented: "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."

Hawes has had a number of high profile roles over the years, appearing in the likes of BBC's Ashes to Ashes, spy thriller Spooks and period drama Upstairs Downstairs. She appeared as Detective Inspector Lindsay Denton in seasons two and three of the BBC police procedural Line of Duty.

Essiedu, meanwhile, is best known for comedy-drama I May Destroy You and addiction-recovery drama The Outrun, while he’s also set to star in HBO Max's forthcoming Harry Potter series.

Falling will air on Channel 4.

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