Channel 5 viewers can look forward to a new nail-biting psychological thriller with a star-studded cast14:23, 02 Jun 2026Channel 5 has announced a new 'nail-biting' psychological thriller with Anna Friel.‌New six-part series, The Heights, is based on the best-selling Louise Candlish novel and will see Anna, 49, play lead character Ellen. Currently filming and set to air on Channel 5 later this year, the show is described as a "nail-biting, psychological thriller exploring the power of maternal love and how grief can blur the lines between justice and revenge".‌Also joining Anna in the line-up are the likes of newcomer Kit Redding, who will play her on-screen son Lucas, Peaky Blinders star Conrad Khan as Lucas' new friend Kieran, Christy's Diarmuid Noyes as ex-husband Vic, DCI Banks star Stephen Tompkinson as Ratcliffe, Line of Duty star Mark Stobbart as Justin and How to Get to Heaven from Belfast star Charis Agbonlahor as Prisca.‌Completing the cast are Malory Towers star Natasha Raphael as Freya, Joy star Yasmine Odofin as Jade and Law and Order: Special Victims Unit star Jolly Abraham as DI Wilson.‌A synopsis for the new series teases: "Ellen, played by Anna Friel is happily living in London, a working mum, devoted to her family and fiercely protective of her children. But when her teenage son Lucas, played by newcomer Kit Redding, brings new friend Kieran, played by Conrad Khan home, cracks began to appear in Ellen’s family life."Kieran is rude, reckless and manipulative – leading Lucas astray, wasting his promise. As Lucas falls deeper under Kieran’s influence, Ellen becomes increasingly desperate to protect him — but a devastating tragedy leaves her consumed by grief, rage and a growing obsession with the truth. Jumping between the past and present day, family secrets and lies unravel in this thrilling new series."Talking about joining the show, Anna said: "Really excited to be diving into this world, to work with our brilliant director Dominic and wonderful crew. We have such a strong creative team, and I hope we make something moving and entertaining."Article continues belowMeanwhile, author Louise Candlish, who is also an Executive Producer on the show, said of the adaptation of her novel: "I couldn’t be happier to see The Heights adapted for 5 by the brilliant team at Clapperboard. Anna Friel is one of the finest acting talents of our generation and for her to be headlining as Ellen is truly a thrill."Elsewhere, Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer at Channel 5, added: "We’re thrilled to bring this adaption of Louise Candlish’s best-selling novel to UK screens. The Heights is a key part of 5’s 2026 drama slate and we’re so pleased to have Anna Friel leading a stellar cast."