The two will play a priest and nun who fall in love.

Robert Viglasky / Channel 4

Paapa Essiedu may soon be set to don the dark robes of Severus Snape in HBO’s Harry Potter series, but the British actor will first be getting into the black cloth of the clergy.

The I May Destroy You and Black Mirror star will play a Catholic priest alongside Keeley Hawes (Scoop, Miss Austen) as a devoted nun in the Channel 4 drama Falling, which marks the first ever love story from BAFTA-winning Adolescence writer Jack Thorne. The Forge Entertainment, a Banijay U.K. company, produces.

In Falling, Essiedu’s priest and Hawes’ nun are both 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. The drama is described as a “witty, moving, contemporary romantic drama that is as honest as it is full of heart.”

The synopsis reads: “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.”

Also joining the cast are Rakie Ayola (The Pact, Kaos), Jason Watkins (Coma, The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies), Niamh Cusack (The Virtues, Heartbeat), Adrian Scarborough (Gavin and Stacey, The Chelsea Detective), David Dawson (My Policeman, The Last Kingdom), Susan Brown (Mr Bates vs The Post Office, It’s A Sin), Sandra Voe (Howards End, Vera Drake) and introducing TV newcomers, Holly Rhys and Shayde Sinclair.

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, said Hawes.

“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,” added Essiedu.

Thorne says: “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.”

Gwawr Lloyd, Commissioning Editor, Drama adds: “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.”

A 6×60’ drama from The Forge, Falling is executive produced by George Ormond, George Faber and Jack Thorne. Joe Donaldson (Cobra, Ripper Street, Peaky Blinders) is the producer and Peter Hoar (It’s A Sin, The Last of Us, Umbrella Academy) will direct. Falling has been commissioned for Channel 4 by Ollie Madden, Director of Film4 and Channel 4 Drama and Gwawr Lloyd, Commissioning Editor, Drama.

Robert Viglasky / Channel 4

Falling will be distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.

Source: Variety