THE HEIGHTS: CHANNEL 5 ANNOUNCES DRAMA ADAPTATION OF LOUISE CANDLISH NOVEL, ANNA FRIEL TO STAR

5 has commissioned The Heights a 6 x 60’ scripted series adaptation of the best-selling Louise Candlish novel from Clapperboard Studios, starring Anna Friel. The series will be distributed internationally by FOX Entertainment Global.

Ellen, played by Anna Friel (Marcella, Broken) is happily living in London, a working mum, devoted to her family and fiercely protective of her children. But when her teenage son Lucas, played by newcomer Kit Redding, brings new friend Kieran, played by Conrad Khan (County Lines, Peaky Blinders) 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. Jumping between the past and present day, family secrets and lies unravel in this thrilling new series.

Further cast confirmed are Diarmuid Noyes (Christy, Double Blind) as ex-husband Vic, Stephen Tompkinson (DCI Banks, This is Not a Murder Mystery ) as Ratcliffe, Mark Stobbart (House of the Dragon, Line of Duty) as Justin, Charis Agbonlahor (The Hardacres, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, In Flight) as Prisca, Natasha Raphael (Malory Towers, The Diary of Anne Frank) as Freya, Yasmine Odofin (Joy) as Jade, and Jolly Abraham (Plan B, Anniversary, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit) as DI Wilson.

On starting this new project, Anna Friel comments: “Really excited to be diving into this world, to work with our brilliant director Dominic and wonderful crew. We have such a strong creative team, and I hope we make something moving and entertaining.”

On the adaptation of her novel, Louise Candlish says: “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.” 

Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer, 5 continues: “We’re thrilled to bring this adaption of Louise Candlish’s best-selling novel to UK screens. The Heights is a key part of 5’s 2026 drama slate and we’re so pleased to have Anna Friel leading a stellar cast.”

Mike Benson, Managing Director, Clapperboard Studios adds: “I am a huge fan of all of Louise’s novels which are always in equal parts so characterful and thrilling - so we are delighted she agreed to trust us with The Heights. To have an actress of the calibre of Anna join the project, along with Simon’s brilliant screenwriting and Dom’s artful direction, is testament to the strength of the book. We’re appreciative of our friends at 5 and FOX for backing the show and can’t wait to bring it to audiences both in the UK and globally.”

Prentiss Fraser, President, FOX Entertainment Global concludes: “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 and look forward to bringing it to international audiences through FOX Entertainment Global.”

Based on the novel by best-selling author Louise Candlish, who joins as Executive Producer for the series, The Heights was commissioned for 5 by Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer. Kate Croft and Mike Benson Executive Produce, with Emma Foley as Producer for Clapperboard; Simon Tyrrell (Maxine, The Alienist) is on board as Writer, with Dominic Leclerc (Sex Education, The A Word) as Director and Executive Producer. FOX Entertainment Global to handle international distribution.

Currently filming and set to air on 5 later this year, The Heights is a nail-biting, psychological thriller exploring the power of maternal love and how grief can blur the lines between justice and revenge.