Falling (TV series)

A nun falls in love with a Catholic priest.^[2] Both are deeply committed to their work in the church and in their community. Neither are expected to fall in love. But when they do, both are forced to wrestle with what it means for them, their vows, and their relationship with God.^[3]

• Keeley Hawes as Anna
  • Eloise Little as young Anna
• Paapa Essiedu as David
• Rakie Ayola as Muriel
• Jason Watkins as Peter
• Niamh Cusack as Francesca
• Adrian Scarborough as Francis
• David Dawson as Phil
• Susan Brown as Fiona
• Sandra Voe as Gertrude
• Holly Rhys as Tina
• Shayde Sinclair as Bimpe

The series is written by Jack Thorne and produced by The Forge. It was announced as an upcoming series for Channel 4 in February 2025.^[5]

In April 2025, Keeley Hawes and Paapa Essiedu were confirmed to be leading the cast, alongside Rakie Ayola, Jason Watkins, Niamh Cusack, Adrian Scarborough, David Dawson, Susan Brown, Sandra Voe and newcomers, Holly Rhys and Shayde Sinclair.^[6]

Filming began in April 2025, with locations include Bristol and Cardiff, Wales.^[7][8][9]

Reviews demonstrated a generally positive response from critics.

Ben Dowell at The Times awarded the series five stars, describing it as "spellbinding" and Hawes' performance as "exceptional".^[10] Vicky Jessop at Metro awarded four stars, describing the "unusual love story" as "one of 2026’s best TV surprises".^[11]

Cosmopolitan described the series as a "must-watch" and Hawes' best since Bodyguard.^[12] The Telegraph described writer Jack Thorne's script as "characteristically elegant" and Hawes' performance as "divine".^[13] Financial Times also commented on the script, noting it as having a "refreshing maturity", further describing the show as "quietly powerful" but an "old-fashioned and wordy drama". They ultimately awarded three stars.^[14]

Lucy Mangan of The Guardian was less positive, awarding the series just two stars, describing it as "a swing and a miss...despite the talented actors at the helm".^[15]