First Look: Anna Friel Leads New Channel 5 Thriller ‘The Heights’

5 has unveiled a first look at The Heights, a gripping new six-part psychological thriller starring Emmy-winning actress Anna Friel and adapted from the bestselling novel by Louise Candlish.

• The Plot: Ellen (Anna Friel), a devoted working mum in London, sees her family life unravel when her teenage son Lucas brings home a manipulative new friend named Kieran. A devastating tragedy leaves Ellen consumed by grief and driven by an obsessive quest for the truth.
• Full Cast List: Joining Anna Friel (Marcella, Broken) are newcomer Kit Redding as Lucas and Conrad Khan (Peaky Blinders, County Lines) as Kieran. The ensemble also features Stephen Tompkinson (DCI Banks) as Ratcliffe, Diarmuid Noyes (Double Blind) as Vic, Mark Stobbart (Line of Duty) as Justin, Charis Agbonlahor (The Hardacres) as Prisca, Natasha Raphael (Malory Towers) as Freya, Yasmine Odofin (Joy) as Jade, and Jolly Abraham (Law & Order: SVU) as DI Wilson.
• Channel 5 Air Date: While an exact premiere date has not been announced, Channel 5 has confirmed that The Heights is a cornerstone of its 2026 drama slate and will air on TV and My5 in the UK.
• Clapperboard’s Channel 5 Slate: Produced by Clapperboard Studios alongside FOX Entertainment Global, The Heights adds to the production outfit’s growing slate of popular Channel 5 original dramas, which includes hits like The Teacher, Maxine, The Catch, and The Inheritance.

A Deceitful Web of Secrets and Lies

The six-part drama (6 x 60’) follows Ellen, whose protective maternal instincts are put to the ultimate test. When her teenage son Lucas brings his rude, reckless friend Kieran into their home, Ellen watches helplessly as Lucas falls deeper under his toxic influence.

When a sudden tragedy strikes, the narrative jumps between past and present day to expose family secrets, betrayal, and deception.#

Behind the Scenes

Adapted from Louise Candlish’s acclaimed novel, the author joins the project as Executive Producer. The series was commissioned for Channel 5 by Deputy Chief Content Officer Sebastian Cardwell.

Screenwriter Simon Tyrrell (Maxine, The Alienist) adapted the book for television, with Dominic Leclerc (Sex Education, The A Word) directing and executive producing alongside Kate Croft and Mike Benson for Clapperboard. International distribution is being handled by FOX Entertainment Global.

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