Up to No Good, a new six-part drama coming to Channel 4, has confirmed Claudia Jessie (of Bridgerton and Toxic Town) as part of the new cast joining lead star Glenn Close. Previously under the title of Maud, the upcoming series will see Close taking on the central role of Maud Oldcastle, described as “a hilariously brusque, cantankerous, and ruthless older woman”.
The drama is based on short story collections An Elderly Lady Is Up To No Good and An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed, written by Helene Tursten, and it’s being adapted for television by Nina Raine and Moses Raine. Previously best known as playwrights, the pair are making their debut as a writing duo for television.
Along with Jessie, other new cast members announced today include Anita Dobson (EastEnders, Doctor Who), Gloria Obianyo (Andor), Ben Crompton (Game of Thrones), Meera Syal (The Wheel of Time, The Revenge Club), and Penelope Wilton (Downton Abbey).
It’s been revealed that Jessie – who many fans know and love as the outspoken Eloise Bridgerton in Netflix’s hit period drama – will take on the role of “a suspicious young detective”, who is investigating a death in Maud’s building and starts to believe there could be more to her than meets the eye.
Maud, who the synopsis reveals is “determined to break from a lifetime spent caring for her sister”, will then be “forced to reckon with her crimes, present and past”.
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Commissioning Editor for Drama at Channel 4 Rebecca Holdsworth said: “Nina and Moses Raine’s deliciously dark and witty world has drawn together a truly fantastic line-up, and we’re excited for audiences to be introduced to Maud Oldcastle and the unforgettable characters surrounding her.”
Holdsworth added that Up to No Good will be a “bold, razor sharp and wickedly entertaining series” and “feels undoubtedly Channel 4”.
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In other news from the broadcaster today, A Woman of Substance – the revenge drama starring Brenda Blethyn, Jessica Reynolds and Jo Joyner – has revealed its first trailer, giving a glimpse at its characters in action.
Set in Yorkshire, England, the rags-to-riches drama is based on the 1979 novel by Barbara Taylor Bradford, which was previously adapted by the broadcaster in 1985 – going on to become one of its biggest ever dramas. A release date for the new adaptation hasn’t been confirmed.
Up to No Good and A Woman of Substance are both coming to Channel 4.
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TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Â Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK’s biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. Â As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world’s oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).Â