New drama based on 'excellent' breakout book starts on TV tonight

A brand new drama based on a "superb" book begins on Channel 4 tonight (Sunday, November 9). Trespasses, an adaptation of Louise Kennedy's breakout debut novel, has been transformed for the screen by Ailbhe Keogan (Bad Sisters).

Trespasses is a tale of forbidden love, set against the backdrop of the Troubles and boasts a star-studded cast list including Lola Petticrew (Bloodlands, Tuesday) as Cushla, a fiery young woman whose hopes and dreams have been thwarted by the grind of daily life, while Tom Cullen (The Gold, Weekend) will portray Michael, a barrister. Gillian Anderson (Scoop, Sex Education) will play Gina, Cushla's mother.

Gillian Anderson, who also serves as Executive Producer, remarked: "I fell in love with Louise's stunning book when I read it in proof. I was immediately drawn to the tragi-comic creation that is Gina and couldn't resist when Louise asked me to play her.

"Reading Ailbhe's brilliant scripts confirmed how vividly this story could translate to screen and with Dawn at the helm and Lola and Tom alongside, I'm delighted to be part of the Trespasses family."

Trespasses will commence on Sunday, November 9 on Channel 4 at 9pm and will then air every night at the same time until Wednesday, November 12.

Fans of the book are eagerly anticipating its adaptation to the screen. After the trailer was released on Instagram, one enthusiast posted: "Loved the book, looking forward to this. Plus, Gillian Anderson," while another chimed in with: "Looking forward to this - @louise.kennedyy's book is superb.

"Can't wait to see this, the book is brilliant, one of my favourites over the last few years," a third fan expressed, while another shared their excitement: "Oh dear god I cannot wait for this- I've read this book at least ten times."

The four-part series synopsis reveals: "Trespasses is the story of Cushla, a young Catholic schoolteacher whose life in 1975 Northern Ireland is shadowed by the Troubles.

"Amid curfews, bombings, and betrayals, she works nights in her family's pub, serving both sides and British soldiers, when she meets and falls for Michael - an older, married Protestant barrister. Their affair is intoxicating and dangerous.

"Cushla's world is full of defiant spirits: her drunk, sharp-tongued mother Gina, her lively pupils, and beloved colleague Gerry. As the forbidden love between Cushla and Michael deepens, violence looms and tensions rise. Cushla is pulled between duty and desire, family and freedom."

Trespasses starts at 9pm on Channel 4 on Sunday, November 9.