Anna Friel teams with Line of Duty star for new Channel 5 thriller
Anna Friel is set to star alongside Mark Stobbart, best known for his role in Line of Duty, in a new thriller for Channel 5 set in London.
The Marcella actress will head the cast of The Heights, a six-part adaptation of Louise Candlish’s 2021 novel. Friel takes on the role of Ellen, a working mother whose family life begins to unravel after her teenage son Lucas, portrayed by newcomer Kit Redding, befriends a troubling new companion.
According to the synopsis: “When her teenage son Lucas, played by newcomer Kit Redding, brings new friend Kieran home, cracks began to appear in Ellen’s family life.
“Kieran is rude, reckless and manipulative – leading Lucas astray, wasting his promise. As Lucas falls deeper under Kieran’s influence, Ellen becomes increasingly desperate to protect him — but a devastating tragedy leaves her consumed by grief, rage and a growing obsession with the truth.”
Kieran will be portrayed by Peaky Blinders actor Conrad Khan.
Speaking about the project, Anna said: “Really excited to be diving into this world, to work with our brilliant director Dominic (Leclerc) and wonderful crew.
“We have such a strong creative team, and I hope we make something moving and entertaining.”
Candlish also expressed her enthusiasm for the adaptation, saying: “I couldn’t be happier to see The Heights adapted for 5 by the brilliant team at Clapperboard.
“Anna Friel is one of the finest acting talents of our generation and for her to be headlining as Ellen is truly a thrill.”
The series has been written by Simon Tyrrell and is currently in production. It is expected to premiere on Channel 5 later this year.
Prentiss Fraser, President of FOX Entertainment Global, said: “The Heights is exactly the kind of premium, emotionally gripping storytelling that resonates with audiences around the world.
“With Louise Candlish’s compelling novel, a standout creative team at Clapperboard Studios, and Anna Friel delivering a powerhouse lead performance, we’re proud to work with 5 on this exceptional series.”
The supporting cast includes Stephen Tompkinson (DCI Banks), Yasmin Odofin (Joy), Diamuid Noyes (Double Blind), and Jolly Abraham from Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.
Friel is widely recognised for her portrayal of detective Marcella Backland in Marcella, which aired on ITV between 2016 and 2020. More recently, she has appeared in The Box, Monarch, and What to Do When Someone Dies.
