Bella Ramsey’s next role is ‘unmissable’ Channel 4 thriller Maya

The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey Ramsey will lead new six-part Channel 4 thriller Maya, alongside Back to Life‘s Daisy Haggard.

Maya, which was announced by the broadcaster earlier today (Wednesday 2 July), was written by the BAFTA and International Emmy-nominated Haggard, who will also make her directorial debut. Jamie Donoughue will also direct.

Ramsey will play the titular teen, Maya, who is the daughter of Anna, played by Haggard.

A synopsis for the show reads: “Forced into a witness protection programme to escape a life-threatening danger, Anna and Maya leave their London lives behind, taking on new identities and relocating to a small rural town in Scotland.

“As they try to adjust to their new reality, the trauma of their past continues to haunt them in the form of two hitmen intent on tracking them down. As the walls close in, it becomes clear that a dangerous figure from their past is still a looming threat.”

Maya has been described as “an unmissable, atmospheric psychological thriller,” that combines dark comedy with warmth and wit. It will explore themes of predatory male behaviour, family and love, but is also billed as “celebration of the special, unbreakable bond shared between mother and daughter.”

Commenting on the announcement Ramsey said, “This story and these characters Daisy has created are so alive, nuanced, wickedly funny and scarily dark. Every character jumps off the page, the dialogue is incredibly witty and I’m so excited to get to play Maya opposite Daisy’s Anna.”

Haggard said she only ever imagined Ramsey in the role of Maya, describing the non-binary star as “magic.”

She also said: “I wrote the part with Bella so clearly in my head and I honestly still can’t believe they want to be part of it. Bella is pure magic, just insanely talented, and I can’t wait for us to work together. I’m also thrilled to be taking the leap into directing, and excited to have the opportunity to co-direct the series alongside the brilliant Jamie Donoughue.”

The series is being produced for Channel 4 by Two Brothers, who have also produced Fleabag.

Daisy Mount and Alex Mercer, the Executive Producers for Two Brothers also celebrated Ramsey’s involvement, hailing them as “one of the most incredible talents of their generation.”

The series will be filmed on location in Scotland later this year, with further casting due to be announced.