Happy Valley icon Sarah Lancashire confirmed for "uttterly compelling" witch drama on Netflix

Netflix has announced a brand-new series starring Sarah Lancashire, the actress best-known for stunning audiences with her portrayal of Catherine Cawood in Happy Valley.

Lancashire, who also stars in Netflix's Black Doves, will lead the cast of Witch Hunt, a new series from the creator of The Split, Abi Morgan.

The synopsis for Witch Hunt says: "When August Howell, a descendent of the 'Witch of Cambridge' is released after three decades in prison for drowning her three young daughters, she comes home to a community who does not want her back.

"But when concern grows that her return has triggered a modern day witch hunt in the university town, the police must turn to August’s last surviving daughter, Professor Wren Howell, academic and investigative psychologist to help find the killer as past resentments and local folklore collide."

The series comes from production company SISTER Pictures (The Split Up, Waiting for the Out) and executive producer Jane Featherstone.

Lancashire said of starring in the series: "I’m thrilled to be working with Abi Morgan, Jane Featherstone, SISTER Pictures and Netflix on Witch Hunt. It’s a brilliantly imagined and utterly compelling story, with a deeply complex character at its heart. There’s so much to explore in August, and I can’t wait to begin."

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Meanwhile, Morgan added: "I am delighted to be bringing Witch Hunt to Netflix. A dark, yet emotionally charged love story between August Howell, newly released from prison for murdering her children, and the daughter she has left behind, after thirty years inside.

"I last worked with Sarah Lancashire over 25 years ago. I have been chasing the perfect role for her ever since. This is it. I can’t think of anyone better to embody the terrifying tenderness of ’the Witch of Cambridge.' It’s gothic horror meets dark thriller laced with modern day witchcraft, raising the question can August ever be forgiven for her crime?"

Witch Hunt will stream on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £7.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.

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Authors

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.