The ‘first look’ of the highly anticipated drama based on the hit global book series by JJ Arcanjo, Crookhaven, drops today. The eight-part drama series is coming to BBC One, CBBC and BBC iPlayer later this spring, providing essential viewing for the whole family. Brand new images have also been released.

Offering a glimpse into the thrilling world of Crookhaven, set in a secret school for crooks, the series flips the high school genre on its head with a gripping, morally complex, twisty mystery rooted in identity, loyalty and found family.

Featuring a stellar cast led by Dougray Scott (Crime, Exterritorial, Enigma, Vigil), Keith Allen (Shallow Grave, Trainspotting, Kingsman, Marcella, Bodies), Julie Hesmondhalgh (Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Coronation Street, The Pact, Broadchurch), Claire Forlani (Meet Joe Black, In The Name of The King, Industry) and with breakout stars from shows like Adolescence and Heartstopper, the trailer shows Crookhaven students being inducted to the school and being taught to perfect their skills to do good, bring balance, justice and order to the outside world.

The series, filmed in Northern Ireland, has been created for television by Justin Young (Death In Paradise, Sanditon, Dickensian, Ripper Street). Centred around pickpocketing genius Gabriel (Lucas Leach) and his arch-rival, headmaster’s daughter Penelope (Carmel Laniado), the series follows a group of eight very different, young international students as they go head to head in the competition for the infamous Crooked Cup – all while battling a terrifying enemy, The Nameless.

Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning 7+, BBC Children’s and Education said: “Crookhaven is a brilliant example of the rich homegrown storytelling we’re so proud to champion at the BBC. Its gripping mystery and standout cast make it a series designed to spark imaginations of all ages. We’re incredibly excited to bring this to BBC One, CBBC and iPlayer later this spring, and we know it will be a show families will love watching together.”

The stellar ensemble cast also includes: Amari Bacchus (Adolescence), Leila Khan (Heartstopper), Charlie Mann (Power: Origins, The Watched), Naomi Wirthner (Slow Horses, Alex Rider), Genesis Lynea (Silent Witness, Casualty, Death in Paradise, Alex Mugnaioni (Mr Sloane), and Imran Yusuf (Wanderlust, The Missing), Sani Thabo (Casualty), Aerona Shi (Goldie’s Oldies), Rowan McIntosh (The Chelsea Detective),Tipper Seifert Cleveland (Cruella), Arthur Darvill (Doctor Who, Legends of Tomorrow), Miltos Yerolemou (Game of Thrones), Celinde Schoenmaker (Rocketman), and the voice of Emily Maitlis.

Crookhaven is made by BBC Studios Kids & Family for the BBC with support from Northern Ireland Screen. The Creative Lead is Tali Walters, executive producer is Mark Freeland, directors are Jon East (Killing Eve, Downtown Abbey) and Jamie Magnus Stone (Doctor Who) and the producer is Leon McGeown-Fee. The series was commissioned by Sarah Muller, Senior Head of BBC Children’s Commissioning 7+ and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Amy Buscombe. BBC Studios is handling global sales.

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