Vera star's riveting new BBC drama promises to be a 'thrilling ride'

The BBC has a gripping new thriller in the works – and it sounds unmissable. The upcoming six-part series, titled Wahala, is based on Nikki May's debut novel of the same name and follows four Nigerian-British women in their thirties, played by an impressive quartet of actresses: Adelayo Adedayo, Deborah Ayorinde, Cush Jumbo and Susan Wokoma. 

When dark secrets threaten to shatter their lives, the four women are pushed to their limits. 

© Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Ima

Who doesn't love a dark thriller that promises long-buried secrets and shocking turns? The BBC has produced some of my favourite thrillers, from The Night Manager to The Tourist and Doctor Foster. The broadcaster rarely fails to deliver high-quality, character-driven stories that keep viewers glued to their screens, and it sounds like Wahala is set to be another hit. 

With filming underway, keep reading to find out all we know so far. 

What is Wahala about? 

Billed as "gripping and surprising," the thriller weaves between four Nigerian-British women in their thirties, navigating careers, love and family in present-day London; and their childhood homes, where danger and mystery abound. 

The synopsis continues: "When dark secrets and even darker pasts threaten to shatter the lives of the women, they and their friendships are pushed to their limit. Wahala dey o!"

© Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

Adelayo Adedayo (The Responder, Supacell), Cush Jumbo (Criminal Record, Vera) and Susan Wokoma (Cheaters, Enola Holmes), play best friends Simi, Boo and Ronke, who have shared every aspect of life for years. 

But their carefully balanced world is disrupted when Isobel, played by Deborah Ayorinde (Them, Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue), a charismatic and super-wealthy new acquaintance, enters their orbit. 

© Karwai Tang/WireImage

The synopsis concludes: "Trouble follows closely behind. Tensions rise, loyalties fracture and long-buried truths surface, triggering a chain of events with shocking and tragic consequences."

The series, which also stars Nigerian screen icon Genevieve Nnaji, is adapted by BAFTA- nominated writer Theresa Ikoko (Rocks, Grime Kids). 

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, described the scripts as "riveting, full of rich and complex characters, and everything you'd want from Nikki May's exquisite book brought vividly to life on screen."

What has the cast said about the show? 

Adelayo teased the series as a "thrilling ride," while Cush hailed the story as "fantastic". 

Deborah Ayorinde said: "I'm so excited to be a part of this thrilling series. I'm also excited to embody a character that people haven't seen from me before."

© Photo: Getty Images

Meanwhile, Susan added: "As a long fan of Theresa Ikoko and her exquisite writing, it is a honour to be a part of her powerhouse Wahala team. So excited to bring to life Nikki May's world alongside three of this country’s most outstanding actresses - let's go!"

When will Wahala be released?

With filming underway, we'd expect Wahala to arrive on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in late 2026 at the very earliest, with a 2027 release most likely.