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The White Lotus favourite to star in 'shocking true story' TV drama from The Night Manager director

Meghann Fahy is the first confirmed cast member of The Trial of Louise Woodward.

Meghann Fahy attends the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 04, 2026 in Santa Monica, California.

Brianna Bryson/WireImage

Published: Friday, 31 July 2026 at 10:39 am

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HBO are known for their slate of gripping dramas and similarly profound documentaries, but the network has now ordered a true crime drama that is set to engage both US and UK audiences.

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The Trial of Louise Woodward has now been ordered by HBO, with the five-parter having already confirmed its first cast member – and it's none other than The White Lotus star Meghann Fahy.

Having recently starred in the likes of Sirens, Drop and The Perfect Couple, Fahy is no stranger to a nuanced role, but details of her part in the new series remain under wraps for now.

Louise Woodward

Louise Woodward. Getty

According to the series description (via Deadline), The Trial of Louise Woodward "tells the shocking true story of how, in 1997, an 18-year-old British au pair was accused of shaking to death a baby left in her care by her American host family, setting off an international media firestorm as the trial unfolds in full view of both the British and American public".

In the UK, the case has previously been revisited in ITV's 2021 documentary, The Trial of Louise Woodward, and Channel 4's documentary, The Killer Nanny: Did She Do It?, which was released in 2022.

While it's not yet known who Fahy could be playing, it's possible that she could take on the role of the baby's mother Deborah, or another key figure from the case.

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The project marks a return to HBO for Fahy, who will also be reunited with The Perfect Couple director Susanne Bier, who is also known for her work on The Night Manager, Bird Box, The Undoing and The First Lady.

Matthew Barry – known for his writing on Industry, EastEnders, Casualty and Men Up – helms the series as showrunner, series creator, writer and executive producer.

On the announcement of the drama, Barry said: "The trial of Louise Woodward raised profound questions about childcare, working mothers, class and the role of an emerging 24/7 media. 30 years later, those questions feel more urgent and relevant than ever. I’m grateful to be working with Susanne and our partners at HBO to bring this story, in all its complexity, to the screen."

Francesca Orsi, EVP HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films, said: "We are thrilled to partner with Matthew Barry and Susanne Bier on this new series and to welcome Meghann Fahy back to the HBO family.

"Matthew’s compassionate approach to this gripping true story, paired with Susanne’s powerfully distinct directorial vision and Meghann’s exceptional talent, has brought together an extraordinary creative team whose work we’re excited to share with our audience soon."

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Morgan Cormack, smiling against a lime green background

Morgan CormackDrama Writer

Morgan Cormack is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering everything drama-related on TV and streaming. She previously worked at Stylist as an Entertainment Writer. Alongside her past work in content marketing and as a freelancer, she possesses a BA in English Literature.

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