The BBC has announced the lead cast for Open Water, an eight part drama based on the debut novel by Caleb Azumah Nelson. Filming is currently taking place in London and Birmingham. The series is a co production between Mam Tor Productions, a Banijay UK company, and B-Side Productions.
Toheeb Jimoh and Dujonna Gift take the lead roles of Marcus and Effie. Jimoh previously appeared in Industry and the BBC drama Anthony, and received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Ted Lasso. Gift makes her lead television debut in the role, following appearances in the West End production of Two Strangers and the upcoming second series of the BBC drama Ludwig.
The supporting cast includes Rhianna Dorris, Lamar Waves, Nadine Marshall, Hope Ikpoku Jnr, Sekou Diaby, Tara Tijani, Enva Lewis, Nash Nørgaard, Stevie Odu, Renee Bailey, Jayden Fowora Knight, Janina Elkin, Sherise Blackman, Matthew Dunster, Neve McDonnell, Javier Bonaparte, Beaux Bryant, Mo Sesay, and Abdul Salis. The plot follows a retail worker and a dance student who connect through a project documenting Black creatives in London.
The production is commissioned for broadcast on BBC One and for streaming on BBC iPlayer. Caleb Azumah Nelson is credited as a collaborator