HUNTING ALICE BELL: CHANNEL 4 COMMISSIONS NEW DRAMA FROM DAVID BADDIEL IN HIS TV DRAMA WRITING DEBUT

Channel 4 have reportedly commissioned new six-part drama Hunting Alice Bell, from comedian David Baddiel in his debut TV drama series.

The show, reported by Broadcast, examines how social media "turbocharges rage, rumour and disinformation in our modern world" with the story exploring the concept of secret and mistaken identities.

The concept has been in development for over a decade, with Baddiel telling the Daily Star in 2014: "...a serial killer’s accomplice is let out of prison at the start of the movie and the public are told not to try to find her. Four years later a woman is having a nice time with her family when a brick comes through her door and suddenly it becomes clear that in her local community they think she’s this person, Alice Bell. It has black comedy in it."

Deadline reports that casting includes Alexandra Roach and Rudi Dharmalingam. Channel 4 declined to comment on the commission.

Meanwhile, Channel 4 previously announced that Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us, Time) will co-lead the cast of Maya, the 6x60’ drama written and created by BAFTA and International Emmy-nominated Daisy Haggard (Back To Life, Breeders).

Starring alongside Ramsey, Haggard will also make her directorial debut and co-direct the original Two Brothers (The Tourist, Fleabag, Boat Story) series alongside Jamie Donoughue (Doctor Who, The Last Kingdom). 

Ramsey plays the titular, Maya, teenage daughter of Anna (Haggard). Forced into a witness protection programme to escape a life-threatening danger, Anna and Maya leave their London lives behind, taking on new identities and relocating to a small rural town in Scotland.

As they try to adjust to their new reality, the trauma of their past continues to haunt them in the form of two hitmen intent on tracking them down. As the walls close in, it becomes clear that a dangerous figure from their past is still a looming threat. 

Darkly comedic, and shot through with Haggard’s trademark warmth and humour, the series is an unmissable, atmospheric psychological thriller that explores themes of predatory male behaviour, family and love, but, above all, is a warm and witty celebration of the special, unbreakable bond shared between mother and daughter.

Bella Ramsey said: “This story and these characters Daisy has created are so alive, nuanced, wickedly funny and scarily dark. Every character jumps off the page, the dialogue is incredibly witty and I’m so excited to get to play Maya opposite Daisy’s Anna.”

Daisy Haggard, writer, creator and co-director, said: “Ever since I first dreamt up this show, there has only ever been one Maya… I wrote the part with Bella so clearly in my head and I honestly still can’t believe they want to be part of it. Bella is pure magic, just insanely talented, and I can’t wait for us to work together. I’m also thrilled to be taking the leap into directing, and excited to have the opportunity to co-direct the series alongside the brilliant Jamie Donoughue.”

Daisy Mount and Alex Mercer, Executive Producers for Two Brothers add: “Bella Ramsey is one of the most incredible talents of their generation and the only Maya we had in mind to play alongside Daisy’s Anna. The two characters share such a unique and special relationship and are the heart and soul of the project and we know Bella and Daisy will bring them to life in a way that will resonate deeply with viewers.”

Gemma Boswell, Commissioning Editor, Channel 4 Drama, said: “We are thrilled to have Bella join the cast of Maya. It’s testament to the wit and depth of Daisy’s writing to entice such fantastic talent and we can’t wait to see the dynamic of Maya and Anna on-screen.”

More details on both titles will be announced in due course.