First look at new Channel 4 prison drama written by Killing Eve creator

Channel 4 has given viewers the first glimpse at their upcoming new prison drama Screw, written by BAFTA nominated writer Rob Williams, one of the masterminds behind Killing Eve.

The new series will throw viewers into grisly mens prison Long Marsh, a place tinged with humour, emotional high stakes and an overwhelming danger for prisoners and officers alike.

Nina Sosanya will take on the role of Leigh, the head of the group of Long Marshes prison officers, who having devoted most of her adult life to the prison appears to have her fair share of dark secrets.

Derry Girls star Jamie-Lee O’Donnell will also play an integral part in the show as street-wise copper Rose.

Making up the team of ‘screws’, there will also be Line of Duty’s Faraz Ayub as Ali, I May Destroy You’s Stephen Wright as Gary, Game of Thrones’ Ron Donachie as Don and King Gary’s Laura Checkley as Jackie.

The series, which is said to have been inspired by writer Rob Williams’ real-life experience from working in prisons, will offer an insight into incarceration rarely seen before on British TV, according to producers.

The series is also said to tackle contemporary stories ‘head-on with through a vibrant and multi layered cast of characters’.

Williams said on his new project: “Screw is a real passion for me; I’ve wanted to write about prisons ever since teaching in that environment in a former life.

“I’ve maintained close links since then and the idea has grown.  After the experience of working with Sarah Brown and her team at STV Studios on The Victim, I wouldn’t want to pursue a project that means so much to me with anybody else.

“I feel very lucky to be working with Channel 4 on the show and I can’t wait to introduce the world of Screw to as wide an audience as possible.”

Screw will air on Channel 4 and E4 in early 2022.