Marcella legend Anna Friel stars in first look at "moving" and "thrilling" TV drama series

5 has released a first look at its upcoming drama led by Anna Friel, titled The Heights.

The six-part series, which is an adaptation of the best-selling Louise Candlish novel of the same name, stars Friel (Marcella) as working mum Ellen, whose family life begins to unravel when her teenage son Lucas, (newcomer Kit Redding) brings new friend Kieran (played by Peaky Blinders star Conrad Khan) home.

"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," the official synopsis teases.

"Jumping between the past and present day, family secrets and lies unravel in this thrilling new series."

Alongside Friel, the cast is rounded out by Diarmuid Noyes (Christy, Double Blind) as ex-husband Vic, Stephen Tompkinson (DCI Banks) as Ratcliffe, Mark Stobbart (House of the Dragon, Line of Duty) as Justin and Charis Agbonlahor (The Hardacres) as Prisca.

Also starring are Natasha Raphael (Malory Towers) as Freya, Yasmine Odofin (Joy) as Jade, and Jolly Abraham (Law and Order: Special Victims Unit) as DI Wilson.

Meanwhile, behind the camera, Simon Tyrrell (Maxine) serves writer, while Dominic Leclerc (Sex Education) directs and executive produces. Kate Croft and Mike Benson of Clapperboard also executive produce, with Emma Foley as producer.

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The series was announced back in June, with Friel saying in a statement at the time that she's "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."

Caddish added: "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 at 5, described the drama as "a key part of 5's 2026 drama slate", adding the broadcaster was "so pleased to have Anna Friel leading a stellar cast".

The Heights is coming soon to Channel 5.

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Authors

Molly Moss is a Trends Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest trends across TV, film and more. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism and has previously written for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Sun Online.