Sarah Lancashire is set to star in Netflix's upcoming drama, Witch Hunt, from acclaimed writer Abi Morgan – and it sounds unmissable.
The six-part series follows August Howell, who is released from prison for murdering her three young children and returns home to try to rebuild a relationship with her remaining daughter. When concerns grow that her return has triggered a modern day witch hunt, police turn to August's daughter, Wren, an academic and investigative psychologist, to help find a serial killer now terrifying the town.
© John Phillips/BAFTACould this be Sarah's best role since her BAFTA-winning portrayal of Sergeant Catherine Cawood in the gritty BBC crime drama Happy Valley? We think so.
Writer Abi has been "chasing the perfect role" for Sarah since they last worked together more than 25 years ago in the 2000 crime drama My Fragile Heart. "This is it," she said. "I can't think of anyone better to embody the terrifying tenderness of the Witch of Cambridge."
© Ben BlackallIntrigued? Keep reading to find out all we know about the show.
What is Witch Hunt about?
The series centres around August Howell, a descendant of the 'Witch of Cambridge', who is released after three decades in prison for drowning her three young daughters and returns home to a community that does not want her back.
The synopsis continues: "But when concern grows that her return has triggered a modern day witch hunt in the university town, the police must turn to August's last surviving daughter, Professor Wren Howell, academic and investigative psychologist to help find the killer as past resentments and local folklore collide."
© David M. Benett, GettyLeading star Sarah hailed the drama as a "brilliantly imagined and utterly compelling story, with a deeply complex character at its heart," adding: "There's so much to explore in August, and I can't wait to begin."
Meanwhile, creator Abi described her work as a "dark, yet emotionally charged love story" between August and the daughter she left behind.
© Stefania Rosini/Netflix"It's gothic horror meets dark thriller laced with modern day witchcraft, raising the question can August ever be forgiven for her crime?"
Executive producer Jane Featherstone, whose credits include Netflix's Black Doves (in which Sarah Lancashire also stars), agreed that the Happy Valley star is the perfect fit for the role. "I've been lucky enough to work with Sarah Lancashire over the past few years, and she still surprises me every time," said Jane. "She is extraordinary, and I'm thrilled she'll be playing August."
Witch Hunt arrives on Netflix in 2028. A release date and further casting have yet to be announced.
