MAYA: CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR NEW CHANNEL 4 THRILLER FROM DAISY HAGGARD AS FILMING COMMENCES

Channel 4 has announced that filming for Maya, the brand new thriller from Two Brothers Pictures (The Tourist, Fleabag, The Assassin), has begun in Scotland, with a host of stars joining the cast alongside co-leads Daisy Haggard (Back to Life, Breeders) and Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us, Time).

The 6x60’ fictional drama is written by Creator Daisy Haggard who is making her directorial debut co-directing the series alongside Jamie Donoughue (Doctor Who, The Last Kingdom). 

Forced into a witness protection programme to escape a life-threatening danger, determined and devoted single-mum Anna (Haggard) and her headstrong teenage daughter Maya (Ramsey) leave their London lives and Anna’s parents, Nancy (Harriet Walter – Succession, Ted Lasso) and George (Tom Courtenay – Quartet, 45 Years) behind, taking on new identities and relocating to a small rural town in Scotland.

Aided by Senior Detective Constable Debs (Josie Walker – Kneecap, Andor) and Witness Protection Officers Tony (Stuart Bowman – Dept. Q, Rebus) and Karen (Kiran Sonia Sawar – Slow Horses, True Love) they try to adjust to their new reality, but the trauma of their past continues to haunt them in the form of two hitmen, Benji (Ben Chaplin – September 5, The Dig) and Ted (Raphel Famotibe – The Night Manager S2, Wale) who are intent on tracking them down.

As the walls close in, it becomes clear that a dangerous and calculating figure from their past, the seemingly charming Bobby (Tobias Menzies – F1, The Crown), is still a looming and very present threat. 

Also joining the cast are Serena Manteghi (The Diplomat, Mrs Wilson), Archie Backhouse (Strategic Love Play, Farm Hall), Paul Blair (Outpost, Outlaw King), Sonny Poon Tip (Industry, Andor), Finlay Shack (Dept Q), Max Fincham (The Tower, The Witness), Ash Hunter (Bridgerton, Harlots), Harry Hadden-Patton (Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, Twisters), Tori Allen-Martin (Here We Go, London Kills) and Isabele Derosa (The Bombing of Pan Am 103). 

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. 

Daisy Haggard says: “After years of writing and dreaming this show up... I’m absolutely thrilled that we have started filming Maya and cannot get over what an unbelievably brilliant cast we have joining us to bring it all to life! I feel so lucky to get to work with all these remarkably talented actors as both a director and actor on this series.” 

Daisy Mount and Alex Mercer, Executive Producers for Two Brothers Pictures add: “The bar was set so high on Maya with Bella and Daisy leading the cast and Daisy’s phenomenally nuanced and entertaining scripts, so we are elated by this incredible roster of talent joining the ensemble alongside them. We can’t wait to bring the series to screens, and are hugely thankful to Channel 4, as well as our incredible cast and Scottish crew.” 

Gemma Boswell, Commissioning Editor, Channel 4 Drama, said: “It’s a pleasure to reveal the stellar ensemble cast for Maya. The fantastic scripts have enticed such esteemed and exciting talent, led by Daisy and Bella. Set against a stunning Scottish backdrop, we’re delighted that filming is now underway.” 

The 6x60’ drama has been written and created by Daisy Haggard who will also serve as Executive Producer.