Maya on Channel 4: Plot, start date, and episodes of new Bella Ramsey thriller written by Daisy Haggard
Helen Fear | 11:38am Wed 2 JulBella Ramsey takes on the lead role as Maya in the Channel 4 thriller of the same name, written by the always funny comedian Daisy Haggard.
If you liked the brilliantly bonkers Boat Story in 2023, then this one is for you. You’ll get the idea if we tell you it’s produced by Two Brothers – aka brothers Harry and Jack Williams. They are famous for The Tourist – so expect a sexy thriller with tongue firmly in cheek.
Here’s everything you need to know about Maya on Channel 4, including plot, cast, start date, and episodes.
Comedian, actress, writer and director Daisy looking not in the least Haggard [Credit: BBC]
What is the plot of Maya on Channel 4?
The new Channel 4 thriller introduces teenager Maya. She is forced into a witness protection programme to escape a life-threatening danger…
Maya and her mum Anna leave their London lives behind, taking on new identities and relocating to a small rural town in Scotland.
As they try to adjust to their new reality, the trauma of their past continues to haunt them… And we’re not talking ghosts here. We’re directly referring to two hitmen intent on tracking them down. As the walls close in, it becomes clear that a dangerous figure from their past is still a looming threat.
A synopsis says: “Darkly comedic, and shot through with Haggard’s trademark warmth and humour, the series is an unmissable, atmospheric psychological thriller that explores themes of predatory male behaviour, family and love. But, above all, is a warm and witty celebration of the special, unbreakable bond shared between mother and daughter.”
How many episodes is it?
Maya is a six episode series, with each instalment an hour.
Channel 4 has not yet confirmed if the thriller be stream as a boxset or be available day by day.
Bella Ramsey, seen here as convict Kelsey in Time series 2, will plays the central role of Maya [Credit: BBC/Sally Mais/BBC Studios]
Where was Maya filmed?
Cast and crew will film entirely on location in Scotland later this year. This follows TV series such as 2024’s Rebus, The Traitors and, of course, Shetland.
Eagle-eyed TV viewers might have realised that, like Channel 4, multiple BBC shows have recently been filmed across the UK recently. By that, we mean, NOT in London.
As part of a plan that “will see the BBC boost TV drama production in the region” Silent Witness has moved to Birmingham. While This City is Ours and Unforgivable were filmed in Liverpool.
BBC One’s Death Valley filmed in Wales, while Channel 4 drama A Woman of Substance is currently filming in Yorkshire.
Who’s in the cast of Maya on Channel 4?
Bella Ramsey plays the titular teenager Maya. The actor is, of course, most famous for playing Ellie Williams in the apocalyptic series The Last of Us. They are also known for acing it as Kelsey Morgan in Jimmy McGovern drama Time, Angelica in His Dark Materials, and Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones.
Between Mildred Hubble in children’s drama The Worst Witch.
Actress, writer, and director Daisy Haggard portrays Maya’s mum Anna. Comedy fans will know Daisy for her leading role in Back to Life, where she played a recently-released convict trying to re-establish her life. She also played Janet Campbell in Boat Story, Myra Licht in Episodes, and Sam in Uncle.
In fact, as well as starring in the thriller, Daisy wrote and created the series. She will also make her directorial debut and co-direct the original Two Brothers (The Tourist, Fleabag, Boat Story) series alongside Jamie Donoughue (Doctor Who, The Last Kingdom). Yes, she is sickeningly talented.
Channel 4 will announce further casting in due course.
Daisy Haggard as Miri in Back to Life [Credit: BBC/Two Brothers Pictures/Luke Varley]
‘Every character jumps off the page’
Speaking about the upcoming Channel 4 thriller Maya, Bella Ramsey said: “This story and these characters Daisy has created are so alive, nuanced, wickedly funny and scarily dark. Every character jumps off the page, the dialogue is incredibly witty and I’m so excited to get to play Maya opposite Daisy’s Anna.”
Writer, creator and star Daisy Haggard added: “Ever since I first dreamt up this show, there has only ever been one Maya… I wrote the part with Bella so clearly in my head and I honestly still can’t believe they want to be part of it. Bella is pure magic, just insanely talented, and I can’t wait for us to work together. I’m also thrilled to be taking the leap into directing, and excited to have the opportunity to co-direct the series alongside the brilliant Jamie Donoughue.”
