DERRY GIRLS star Jamie O’Donnell has been cast in an exciting new drama from one of the writers of Killing Eve.
Screw has been described by writer Rob Williams as a new series that will offer a glimpse of “prison as never seen before.”
A BAFTA-nominated scribe, Williams’s other writing credits include The Man In The High Castle, Chasing Shadows and the Kelly MacDonald drama The Victim.
The six-part dram series is being produced by STV Studios and will air on Channel 4 in the UK next year.
According to Channel 4, Screw will show "uncensored, shocking and often darkly funny reality of life as a prison officer in an all-male prison in 21st century Britain".
The action centres on Leigh, played by Marcella and Teachers actress Nina Sosanya, who serves the head of group of embattled prison officers or “screws” at Long Marsh Prison.
Leigh has dedicated her entire life to working in prisons. In a criminal justice system bursting at the scenes, she and her fellow officers tread a careful line to keep inmates in line.
But Leigh has secrets that could cost her everything.
Into this already tense environment comes Rose (O’Donnell) a 21-year-old trainee officer with a point to prove.
Boasting a cast that includes Line of Duty’s Faraz Ayub and Ron Donachie from Game of Thrones as well as I May Destroy You actor Stephen Writer, Screw is set to begin filming in Glasgow this month.
(Channel 4)Caroline Hollick, Channel 4 Head of Drama, said: "Screw offers the audience an insight in to the challenges and struggles faced behind bars for both prisoners and officers; told with humour, humanity and hope.
"I’m so excited for our brilliant, distinctive cast, led by the superlative Nina Sosanya, and I hope Jamie-Lee O’Donnell’s dramatic new role will her see fast becoming an iconic face of Channel 4."
News of O’Donnell’s casting could put plans for the third series of Derry Girls into major doubt with filming yet to commence on the new season of the hit Irish comedy.
There is no official word yet on whether the show will return though it is unlikely to be back on our screens until 2022 at the earliest.
See More: Derry Girls, Drama, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, Television
