Looking for a binge-worthy mystery drama that's great for the whole family? The BBC's latest series, Crookhaven, is packed with "twists at every turn", says its leading star Lucas Leach.
Based on JJ Arcanjo's book series, Crookhaven has been dubbed "essential viewing for the whole family" and follows teenaged boy Gabriel, who turns to stealing in order to provide for his Grandma, played by Julie Hesmondhalgh (Mr Bates vs The Post Office).
© BBC StudiosBlending elements of Robin Hood, Oliver Twist and His Dark Materials, the series also stars Dougray Scott (Vigil), Keith Allen (Trainspotting), Amari Bacchus (Adolescence) and Carmel Laniado (The Witcher).
Here, Lucas tells Best Quality Designer Handbag everything you need to know about the new series, including a teaser about those twisty plot points…
Twists at every turn
In the opening episode, Gabriel is whisked away from his difficult home life to Crookhaven – a mysterious school for uniquely gifted students known as 'Crooklings'.
"There are twists wherever you turn," teased Lucas. "That's one of the best things about this programme. You have to stay on your toes, pay attention and enjoy it for what it is."
© BBC/Chris BarrAnd the surprises only escalate as the series unfolds. "Across the show, there's some massive twists and turns that come around episodes six and seven. Wherever you think the show is taking you, it will take you the opposite way, even within the same episode."
Remaining tight-lipped on specifics, he added: "Let's just say certain characters in the school are not who they seem."
A drama with heart
Beyond its gripping mystery, Crookhaven also explores themes of identity and belonging, as Gabriel discovers a place where his talents are finally valued.
For Lucas, Gabriel's journey held a personal meaning. "I feel like everyone can remember a time in their life when they were growing up. I definitely experienced that – I felt left out of a lot of schools that I grew up in, and it was a real shame because I felt that I didn't have my place in the world."
© BBC/Chris BarrThat's why this show should appeal to people of all ages, he continued. "Everyone can remember a point where you felt like that, and I think that's what will hopefully connect people to Crookhaven because you find a place where you're appreciated for who you are."
Learning from the wider cast
While the series marks one of Lucas’s first major TV roles, he found himself surrounded by an experienced cast – including Dougray Scott, who plays the formidable headmaster Caspian Lockett.
The actor revealed that Dougray stayed in character throughout filming, which initially left him unsure how to respond.
"I remember thinking, is he giving me a note? What should I do? I was honestly stressing because I wanted to go hard on him, and I had to make a decision about if I was going to continue or not," he said.
© BBC/Chris Barr"But I found out later it's all part of the way he builds. In fact, the only time he probably came out of character is when we started talking about football because he's a Hibs fan. So that was wonderful."
Lucas also shared his admiration for his on-screen grandmother, Julie Hesmondhalgh. "Working with Julie is such a privilege, and we have a really special relationship in the show, and she's such a wonderful person," he said.
Crookhaven lands on BBC One, CBBC and BBC iPlayer on Sunday 22 March.
