A riveting love story is being adapted into an eight-part series on BBC One and iPlayer13:39, 23 Jul 2026An unforgettable new drama is coming to the BBC very soon.‌The broadcaster has announced casting for a new eight-part series called Open Water, which is based on Caleb Azumah Nelson's acclaimed debut novel.‌The series centres around two young Black-British artists who fall in love in London, while navigating the heavy pressures of race, art, grief, and systemic violence.‌"Marcus works in retail while trying to develop a career as a photographer. Effie is studying dance at university in Dublin. From the moment they meet, they feel an immediate undeniable connection. But, as Marcus soon learns, Effie is in a relationship with Marcus' friend Samuel," reads the official synopsis for the drama."It's a boundary that Marcus is unwilling to cross. A shared project, photographing and documenting Black creatives in London, draws them into each other's orbit, but can their burgeoning friendship resist the pull of desire?‌"They seem destined for each other, their crush evolving into a love that is ocean deep. But love is never enough, and their path towards one another is treacherous. Will they sink or swim in open water?"The synopsis concludes: "Tender, intimate and deeply romantic, Open Water is a heartfelt exploration of love, identity and belonging, told with warmth, honesty and emotional depth."Ted Lasso star Toheeb Jimoh and Dujonna Gift, who appeared in Disney's 2025 live-action film Snow White, have been cast in the lead roles of Marcus and Effie.‌They are joined by Rhianna Dorris, Lamar Waves, Nadine Marshall, Henrietta Pearl Quartey, Hope Ikpoku Jnr, Sekou Diaby, Tara Tijani, Enva Lewis, Nash Nørgaard, Stevie Odu, and Renee Bailey.Rounding out the cast are Jayden Fowora Knight, Janina Elkin, Sherise Blackman, Matthew Dunster, Neve McDonnell, Javier Bonaparte, Beaux Bryant and Mo Sesay. Filming is now underway in Birmingham and London.‌Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said in a statement: "Open Water is a deeply romantic and beautifully observed story that has captivated readers around the world."With Caleb at the helm and Toheeb and Dujonna leading a brilliant cast, we're thrilled to bring this powerful and distinctive love story to BBC audiences."Executive producers Tally Garner and Matimba Kabalika added: "In Caleb's gorgeous vision for Open Water, Toheeb and Dujonna are electric as Marcus and Effie. Supported by an absolutely stellar cast, we are incredibly excited to see them bring all these wonderful characters to life."Article continues belowThe Open Water team have also paid tribute to Danielle Scott-Haughton, who was an executive producer on the BBC series before her death earlier this year.Open Water will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer