Channel 5 has announced brand new drama Desperate Measures coming in 2022.
The four-part series follows diligent bank clerk Rowan, who has raised her teenage son Finn on a lawless estate whilst paying off her absent father’s debts.
A teaser shares: “Rowan’s life spirals when Finn is coerced into a botched drug deal by a local gang. With Finn’s life on the line and a violent gang leader encroaching on her life, Rowan is faced with recuperating the money that Finn lost.
“Desperate to save her son and having exhausted all options, Rowan commits to a dangerous heist at the bank she works in.”
Amanda Abbington (Wolfe, Mr Selfridge, I Hate Suzie, Sherlock) will play the lead role of Rowan, with newcomer Jesse Cescatti-McFarlane starring as Rowan’s son Finn who finds himself at the centre of a botched drug deal by a local gang.
Further casting includes Warren Brown (The Responder, Trigger Point, Strike Back) stars as Rowan’s ex-partner Patrick, a career criminal who she reconnects with in order to help Finn. Sunetra Sarker (Casualty, Ackley Bridge, Cold Feet) stars as Varisha, Rowan’s loyal best-friend and co-worker.
Francis Magee (White Lines, The Witcher, Brassic), Jonathan Nyati (Motherland, Breeders, This Way Up) and Seb Cardinal (After Life, This Time with Alan Partridge, Sally4Ever) also feature.
Filming for Desperate Measures will commence shooting on location in 2022 and is set to air on Channel 5 later this year.
Mike Benson, Managing Director of producers Clapperboard, commented: “We’re delighted Amanda has come on board. We know the warmth, relatability and nuance she will bring to Rowan – an ordinary woman forced to take extreme measures… She will have viewers rooting for her every step of the way.
“Amanda is joined by a very talented cast including the brilliant Warren Brown who seems to be in every hit show at the moment so we were thrilled he agreed to be part of the project.”
More on: Channel 5
