The producers of Line of Duty, Save Me and Vigil (World Productions) have released the first images from new Merseyside thriller, The Gathering.
Written by acclaimed novelist Helen Walsh (The Lemon Grove, Once Upon A Time In England) in her first original screenplay for television, the series is set to air on Channel 4.
The “whodunnit” or in this case “why-done it” is based in Merseyside. It centres around newcomer Eva Morgan, working-class student Kelly, who is attacked at an illicit rave on a tidal islet alongside Sadie Soverall (Saltburn) as Jessica, a friend and elite gymnastics teammate who seemingly has it all.
Vinette Robinson (Boiling Point) stars as Jessica’s controlling and toxic mother Natalie and Warren Brown (The Responder) is Kelly’s hard working father Paul who struggles with his own impulse control.
The cast will also include Richard Coyle (Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore) as successful solicitor Jules, Sonny Walker (The Responder) as Adam, Ryan Quarmby (The Last Kingdom) as Charlie and newcomer Luca Kamleh-Chapman as Bazi.
The disparate group of teenagers and their parents each has a motive for attacking Kelly, and each episode gives an insight into each character and their worlds, so the viewer can speculate who committed the crime.
The series was commissioned by Head of Drama for Channel 4, Caroline Hollick and Gwawr Lloyd, Drama Commissioning Editor.
The executive producers are Simon Heath, Laura Cotton, Helen Walsh and Gareth Bryn.
The producer is Graham Drover. Gareth Bryn will direct (Episodes 1, 2, 5 and 6) with Amanda Blue also directing (Episodes 3 and 4).
World Productions is part of ITV Studios and will handle international distribution.
Transmission details have yet to be announced.
