EXCLUSIVE: It’s a Sin star Callum Scott Howells and Gabrielle Creevy (Black Doves) are leading an adaptation of Vanessa Savage’s romantic thriller The Night They Vanished for BBC Studios and Channel 4.
Cameras have rolled in Wales on the six-part series that tells the story of Anna (Creevy), whose world is blown apart when she discovers her childhood house listed on a true-crime website as the scene of her family’s future deaths. Intriguing blind date Cai (Scott Howells) runs the true-crime site but swears he didn’t post it. The police say it’s a hoax, but Anna’s family have vanished.
Angharad Elen (The Light In The Hall) and Hannah Daniel (Mudtown) are adapting Savage’s novel, her third thriller. BBC Studios’ new label CliffEdge Entertainment, which has just been unveiled to Deadline by scripted boss Jamie Hall, is producing and selling worldwide. Channel 4 has pre-bought the drama while we understand a deal with a U.S. buyer is close.
Additional cast includes Tamzin Outhwaite (The Wives, Ridley Road, The Tower) as Anna’s stepmum Jo and Steffan Rhodri (Gavin & Stacey) as Idris, Anna’s father, along with Matthew Gravelle (Mudtown), Lisa Victoria (Pobol y Cwm), Jack Quick (Pobol y Cwm), Andrew Lennon (Death Valley), Callum Hymers (The Pact), and Bella Shewan.
Scott Howells is best known for Russell T. Davies’ It’s a Sin and is starring in Deadpoint, another BBC Studios thriller for Channel 4. Creevy plays Eleanor in Netflix hit Black Doves, which will soon launch Season 2.
Creevy said: “Anna is a firecracker – sharp, loyal and carrying more hurt than she lets on. The moment her past comes roaring back, she’s forced into a nightmare she thought she’d escaped. It’s a gift of a role and I can’t wait for audiences to unravel the truth with her.”
Scott Howells added: “Cai is charming, complicated and never quite what he seems. He could be the love of Anna’s life… or the centre of a terrifying conspiracy. Playing someone who keeps you guessing is exactly the kind of challenge I love.”
The Night They Vanished has been pre-bought by Polly Scates, Channel 4 Head of Acquisitions and Felix Jones, Acquisitions Manager. EPs are Sarah Creasey, Sathe, Elen, and Branwen Williams for BBC Studios. Series producer is Sian Elen John and the Director is Geraint Todd.
