The star-studded cast of Michaela Coel's upcoming drama, First Day on Earth, has been unveiled.
The upcoming ten-part series, co-produced by the BBC and HBO, stars creator and writer Michaela alongside the likes of Thandiwe Newton (Line of Duty) and Maxine Peake (Say Nothing).
© BBCThe story centres around British-Ghanaian novelist Henri (Coel), who is stuck in a rut. Running away from her life and partner, she finds herself in Ghana, her ancestral homeland. But amidst this new adventure, Henri is also faced with "secrets, lies, difficulty and denial," leaving her questioning everything she thought she knew.
The series, made in association with A24, reunites Michaela with multi-award-winning Sam Miller, who directed her in the BAFTA-winning drama, I May Destroy You.
Filming is currently underway, almost six years after I May Destroy You first aired in June 2020. The highly anticipated new show marks Michaela's first TV series since writing her acclaimed drama.
© Liz CollinsWith Michaela's exceptional writing talent and Succession creator Jesse Armstrong on board as executive producer, viewers are undoubtedly in for a treat.
Keep reading to find out more…
What to expect from the show
The series centres around British-Ghanaian novelist Henri, who is on the run – from herself, her life, her partner and that weird guy at her book talk.
The synopsis continues: "When she ends up in Ghana, her ancestral homeland, she finds herself submerged in an altogether different world. Amidst new friends, fresh joy, and many different and nuanced relationships, Henri also finds secrets, lies, difficulty and denial - leading her to question everything about herself, her heritage and her family."
Executive producers Phil Clarke and Roberto Troni, from producers Various Artists Limited (Juice, Such Brave), described the series as "shocking, funny and unforgettable".
© Karwai Tang"Michaela delivers a highly original, singular story that explores the relationship between England and Ghana via a second generation British-Ghanaian woman who takes up the opportunity to return to the homeland of her parents and finds herself encountering a cast of memorable characters and experiences that force her to face some painful home truths," they said in a statement.
"But as ever with Michaela, it is by turns shocking, funny and unforgettable, and done in her inimitable style."
Who stars in the show?
Starring alongside Michaela Coel as Henri, Thandiwe Newton as Anya and Maxine Peake as Helen are Danny Sapani (Halo, Harlots) as Ernest and Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who, Barbie) as Darren.
© Getty ImagesWhen will the show be released?
A release date has yet to be announced. Considering filming is currently underway, we'd expect the series to arrive in late 2026 at the earliest.
Who is Michaela Coel?
Michaela rose to stardom back in 2015 after creating and starring in the E4 sitcom, Chewing Gum, which earned her a BAFTA for Best Female Comedy Performance.
© Getty ImagesShe went on to gain widespread critical acclaim for her BBC drama, I May Destroy You, which won a slew of awards, including five BAFTAs and two Emmy Awards.
Since then, she has starred in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Black Mirror and Black Earth Rising.
