HBO is joining in with Michaela Coel and the BBC on her new drama January 22nd as a co-producer, according to Deadline. As we reported last year, Coel’s new show will focus on sexual consent and contemporary dating life. Filming has already started in London.

According to Deadline, the show has now assembled a cast that includes Weruche Opia, Paapa Essiedu, Aml Ameen, Adam James, Sarah Niles and Ann Akin. Coel herself will play Arabella Essiedu, described as “a self-assured, care-free Londoner with a group of great friends, a holiday fling turned aspirational boyfriend in Italy and a burgeoning writing career.” When she becomes the victim of having been given a date-rape drug, her entire world and identity are thrown upside down.

Opia and Ameen play Arabella’s friends Terry Pratchard (Opia), Simon (Ameen) and Essiedu. Terry is described as a struggling actor who is hopeful for her career. Ameen is Simon, one of Arabella’s friends who is always trying to get her out on the party scene. Essiedu plays Kwame Acheampong, Arabella and Terry’s other best friend, who stays on Grinder and makes a living as an exercise class instructor.

James, Niles and Akin play other characters who come into Arabella’s life. James plays Julian, Arabella’s literary agent, Niles is Officer Funmi, and Akin is Alissa, a woman Simon and his girlfriend interact with thanks to an app for sexual encounters. Other cast members include newcomer Samson Ajewole, Harriet Webb, Karan Gill, Natalie Walter Ellie James and Franc Ashman.

READ MORE:

New Series Created By And Starring Michaela Coel Will Explore Contemporary Sexual Consent, Dating

Photo: Getty Images

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January 22nd

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