Channel 5 has released a first look at The Heights, its upcoming six-part psychological thriller starring Anna Friel, based on Louise Candlish’s bestselling novel. The new drama sees the Marcella actress play Ellen, a working mother whose family life begins to fall apart after her teenage son brings home a new friend. With Conrad Khan (Peaky Blinders) playing the troublesome newcomer, the series follows Ellen as she desperately tries to protect her son before a devastating tragedy leaves her searching for answers.

What Is The Heights About?

Set in London, The Heights follows Ellen, a devoted mother who is enjoying a relatively settled family life until her teenage son Lucas (Kit Redding) introduces her to his new friend Kieran (Conrad Khan).

Ellen quickly becomes concerned about Kieran’s behaviour and the influence he is having on Lucas. As her son becomes more involved with his new friend, she grows increasingly desperate to protect him, but a devastating tragedy leaves her struggling with grief and determined to uncover the truth.

The six-part thriller moves between the past and present as Ellen investigates what really happened, with family secrets and previously hidden lies gradually coming to light. The story also explores how far a mother is prepared to go for her children and the consequences of allowing grief to develop into a desire for revenge.

Who Is in The Heights Cast?

Anna Friel leads the cast as Ellen, alongside newcomer Kit Redding as her teenage son Lucas and Conrad Khan as Kieran. The supporting cast includes Diarmuid Noyes (Christy) as Ellen’s ex-husband Vic, Stephen Tompkinson (DCI Banks) as Ratcliffe, Mark Stobbart (Line of Duty) as Justin and Charis Agbonlahor (The Hardacres) as Prisca. Natasha Raphael also stars as Freya, with Yasmine Odofin playing Jade and Jolly Abraham appearing as DI Wilson.

Is The Heights Based on a Book?

Yes. The Heights is an adaptation of the bestselling psychological thriller by British author Louise Candlish, who is also serving as an executive producer on the television series. The adaptation has been written by Simon Tyrrell (Maxine), with Dominic Leclerc (Sex Education, The A Word) directing and executive producing. Kate Croft and Mike Benson serve as executive producers for Clapperboard Studios, with Emma Foley producing.

Speaking when the drama was first announced, Candlish expressed her excitement about seeing her novel adapted for television, praising Friel’s casting as Ellen. Friel also shared her enthusiasm for joining the project, saying she hoped the creative team would deliver something both moving and entertaining.

When Will The Heights Be Released on Channel 5?

The Heights is expected to premiere on Channel 5 later in 2026, although the broadcaster has not yet confirmed an exact release date. The psychological thriller will consist of six hour-long episodes, with international distribution handled by FOX Entertainment Global.

For CultureCues, we’re already interested in this one. Anna Friel was fantastic in Marcella, so seeing her return to another psychological thriller is exciting. We’re also looking forward to seeing Conrad Khan opposite her, especially with the complicated relationship between Ellen and Kieran promising plenty of tension. With a bestselling novel behind it and six episodes to tell the story, The Heights is going straight on our watchlist.

The Heights is coming soon to Channel 5, with an official release date still to be announced.

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