Open Water casting revealed as filming begins on new drama

The BBC has announced casting for Open Water, based on Caleb Azumah Nelson’s acclaimed debut novel. Filming is now underway in Birmingham and London on the eight-part series, made by Mam Tor Productions (a Banijay UK company) and B-Side Productions for BBC iPlayer and BBC One.

Toheeb Jimoh and Dujonna Gift will star in the lead roles of Marcus and Effie. Toheeb made his screen debut in the BBC’s Jimmy McGovern-penned drama Anthony, was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for his role in Ted Lasso, and most recently appeared in series four of hit banking drama Industry. Dujonna makes her lead television debut as Effie, having previously appeared in Disney’s 2025 live-action Snow White, the original West End production of Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), and the upcoming second series of the BBC’s Ludwig.

Marcus works in retail while trying to develop a career as a photographer. Effie is studying dance at university in Dublin. From the moment they meet, they feel an immediate, undeniable connection. But, as Marcus soon learns, Effie is in a relationship with Marcus’ friend Samuel. It’s a boundary that Marcus is unwilling to cross. A shared project, photographing and documenting Black creatives in London, draws them into each other’s orbit, but can their burgeoning friendship resist the pull of desire?

They seem destined for each other, their crush evolving into a love that is ocean deep. But love is never enough, and their path towards one another is treacherous. Will they sink or swim in open water?

Tender, intimate and deeply romantic, Open Water is a heartfelt exploration of love, identity and belonging, told with warmth, honesty and emotional depth.

Joining Jimoh and Gift are Rhianna Dorris (Lockwood & Co.), Lamar Waves (The Tower), Nadine Marshall (Random), Henrietta Pearl Quartey, Hope Ikpoku Jnr (Top Boy), Sekou Diaby (Animol, Boarders), Tara Tijani (Death in Paradise), Enva Lewis (How To Have Sex), Nash Nørgaard (Death of Ivan Ilyich), Stevie Odu (Boiling Point), Renee Bailey (Call The Midwife), Jayden Fowora Knight (The Nutcracker and the Four Realms), Janina Elkin (The Queen’s Gambit), Sherise Blackman (Bridgerton), Matthew Dunster (Coronation Street), Neve McDonnell (G’wed), Javier Bonaparte, Beaux Bryant (Stolen Dreams Redemption) and Mo Sesay (The Diplomat).

Caleb Azumah Nelson says: “The process of bringing Open Water from page to screen has been amazing, and I’ve found some truly outstanding collaborators. We rarely see love stories like this and everyone, from crew to cast, has put their whole heart into this production to make it happen. I can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on.”

Toheeb Jimoh says: “This is a dream project for me. I fell in love with Marcus and Caleb’s story immediately. It’s such a sensitive, character rich, love story, delicately told and full of all the details of the south London I grew up in. It’s such an honour to be a part of this team and I can’t wait to share this one with you all.”

Dujonna Gift says: “There are certain roles that remind you why you once fell in love with storytelling and for me, this is one of them. To be able to step into Effie’s shoes and to bring a South London love story to screen, a story that many people already have been able to fall in love with, that is deeply rooted in the communities that shaped me is such an honour. I cannot wait for everyone to experience this new life of Caleb’s beautiful writing and for us all to swim with Effie & Marcus”

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, says: “Open Water is a deeply romantic and beautifully observed story that has captivated readers around the world. With Caleb at the helm, and Toheeb and Dujonna leading a brilliant cast, we’re thrilled to bring this powerful and distinctive love story to BBC audiences.”

Tally Garner (Mam Tor) and Matimba Kabalika (B-Side) say: “In Caleb’s gorgeous vision for Open Water, Toheeb and Dujonna are electric as Marcus and Effie. Supported by an absolutely stellar cast, we are incredibly excited to see them bring all these wonderful characters to life.”

Open Water (8x30) is made by Mam Tor Productions (a Banijay UK company) and B-Side Productions for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. It was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama. Banijay Rights handles international distribution. Caleb Azumah Nelson is the lead writer and director and will also serve as executive producer alongside Tally Garner for Mam Tor Productions, Matimba Kabalika for B-Side Productions, and Rebecca Ferguson for the BBC. The series is produced by Karlvyn Dove. Acclaimed composer and musician Cassie Kinoshi will create an original score.

The Open Water team would like to pay tribute to Danielle Scott-Haughton, who was an executive producer for the BBC on the series before her passing. A passionate advocate for the project, Danielle brought warmth, creativity and unwavering support throughout its development. Her contribution to the drama was significant and she is remembered with great affection by everyone who had the privilege of working with her.