CROOKHAVEN: FIRST LOOK AT NEW BBC SCHOOL DRAMA STARRING DOUGRAY SCOTT AHEAD OF 2026 DEBUT

First look images of the highly anticipated eight-part drama series, Crookhaven, have been unveiled ahead of the series’ debut on the BBC early next year.

The images offer a glimpse into the world of Crookhaven, a thrilling drama based on the hit global book series by JJ Arcanjo. The series flips the high school genre on its head with a gripping, morally complex, twisty mystery rooted in identity, loyalty and found family.

Created for television by Justin Young (Death In Paradise, Sanditon, Dickensian, Ripper Street) it’s a compelling coming of age adventure featuring a stellar cast led by Dougray Scott with breakout stars from shows like Adolescence and Heartstopper.

Set in a secret school for crooks the series follows a group of students as they are taught to perfect their skills to bring balance, justice and order to the outside world. Uncovering the dark secrets of Crookhaven, the gang are also confronted by a terrifying enemy - The Nameless.

Additional casting announced includes Julie Hesmondhalgh (Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Coronation Street, The Pact, Broadchurch) as Grandma Sue; Ruta Gedmintas (His Dark Materials) as Adria; Miltos Yerolemou (Game of Thrones) as Palombo, and Celinde Schoenmaker (Rocketman, Our House) as Miss Friedrich.

The first-look images show Dougray Scott (Crime, Exterritorial, Enigma, Vigil) as Caspian Lockett, the headmaster and leader of the secretive Crookhaven school; Keith Allen (Shallow Grave, Trainspotting, Kingsman, Marcella, Bodies) as Head of Security, Erasmus Sisman and Claire Forlani (Meet Joe Black, In The Name of The King, Industry) as Caspian’s wife, Carmen.

Filmed in Northern Ireland, the drama centres around pickpocketing genius Gabriel played by Lucas Leach (FBI International) and his rival, headmaster’s daughter Penelope played by Carmel Laniado (The Witcher, Dolittle, A Christmas Carol).

Further cast include the other Crooklings: Amari Bacchus (Adolescence) as Ade; Sani Thabo (Casualty) as Ede, and Leila Khan (Heartstopper) playing Amira, who are fellow ‘Merits’ like Gabriel, selected for their deceptive talents.

The ‘Legacies’ are students who come from generations of master thieves. Alongside Penelope the key legacies are Edgar played by Charlie Mann (Power: Origins, The Watched); Rowan McIntosh (The Chelsea Detective) as Dorian, with Aerona Shi (Goldie’s Oldies) playing Jia, and Tipper Seifert Cleveland (Cruella) as Nicki.

Other cast previously announced include: Naomi Wirthner (Slow Horses, Alex Rider); Genesis Lynea (Silent Witness, Casualty, Death in Paradise; Alex Mugnaioni (Mr Sloane); and Imran Yusuf (Wanderlust, The Missing).

Executive producer Mark Freeland says: “These images hint at the intrigue, tension, humour and adventure at the heart of the Crookhaven story. We can’t wait for audiences of all ages to immerse themselves into this world and to meet the unforgettable characters, played by such talented actors. It’s been a privilege bringing to life JJ Arcanjo’s stunning books and doing that with the amazing writing of Justin Young.”

Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning 7+, said: “I know this audience have high expectations as we compete for their attention. From these first looks I’ve no doubt Crookhaven to set to deliver an unforgettable series that will capture their imagination as well as their screens.”

The series will span eight episodes and land on BBC iPlayer early next year.