Trespasses cast list: Who has joined the new Channel 4 drama?

Channel 4 is set to air a brand new drama, Trespasses, featuring a star-studded cast from popular shows such as Sex Education, Downton Abbey, Bloodlands, Blue Lights and Bad Sisters.

Trespasses, an adaptation of Louise Kennedy's debut novel, tells a forbidden love story against the backdrop of the Troubles. The four-part series, set in 1974 Belfast, follows Cushla, a Catholic teacher who falls for a married Protestant barrister named Michael.

Bloodlands actress Lola Petticrew takes on the role of Cushla, while Welsh actor Tom Cullen, known for his roles in The Gold and Weekend, portrays Michael. The cast also includes Sex Education's Gillian Anderson, who doubles as executive producer, Martin McCann from Blue Lights, Emily Taaffe from Little Disasters, Oisin Thompson from My Left Nut, and Barry Ward from Bad Sisters.

The official synopsis for Trespasses states: "Trespasses is the story of Cushla, a young Catholic schoolteacher whose life in 1975 Northern Ireland is shadowed by the Troubles. Amid curfews, bombings, and betrayals, she works nights in her family's pub, serving both sides and British soldiers, when she meets and falls for Michael - an older, married Protestant barrister. Their affair is intoxicating and dangerous. Cushla's world is full of defiant spirits: her drunk, sharp-tongued mother Gina, her lively pupils, and beloved colleague Gerry. As the forbidden love between Cushla and Michael deepens, violence looms and tensions rise. Cushla is pulled between duty and desire, family and freedom. ".

Lola has previously appeared in the television drama Say Nothing portraying Dolours Price and Bloodlands as Izzy Brannick. The actor also featured in the film Tuesday.

Taking on the role of Cushla in Trespasses, Lola described their character: "Cushla Lavery is kind, loving, funny and I would say open."

The star continued: "She's somebody who has the ability to see a much bigger picture and I think even though the world around her is quite dark, she tries so hard to really dig deep and still have light about her and through her and around her."

Discussing his role, Tom explained: "Michael is a very righteous guy with a strong moral compass when it comes to the way he sees the world and the actions of others and yet he struggles to focus his own compass, and he hurts a lot of people that he dearly loves."

Audiences will recognise Tom from his performances in The Gold and Weekend. His previous work includes Ar y Ffin, Insomnia, Becoming Elizabeth, Knightfall and Downton Abbey.

Gillian portrays Cushla's mother Gina whilst also serving as an executive producer on the programme. Characterising her role, Gillian remarked: "Fancy, troubled, lonely and fabulous."

Audiences will be familiar with Gillian from Sex Education, in which she portrays Jean Milburn, The First Lady, The Crown, and naturally, The X Files, as Dana Scully. She has also appeared in The Fall, and Hannibal, amongst numerous other television programmes and films.

Trespasses additionally features Martin McCann (Blue Lights, Hostage) as Eamonn Lavery, Emily Taaffe (Little Disasters, The Rising) as Betty McGeown, Oisin Thompson (My Left Nut) as Gerry Harkin, and Barry Ward (Bad Sisters, Protection) as Victor McIntyre.