Emmy-nominated Ted Lasso star Toheeb Jimoh and Snow White star Dujonna Gift are leading the BBC‘s adaptation of Caleb Azumah Nelson’s Open Water.
Jimoh plays Marcus opposite Gift’s Effie. 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.
Jimoh was Emmy nominated for his role as Sam in Apple TV’s smash comedy Ted Lasso. Gift hasn’t acted in TV before but played Maple, Snow White’s best friend, in Disney’s 2025 live action adaptation.
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).
Unveiled by the BBC two years ago, the show is an adaptation of one of the buzziest books of the decade, with Azumah Nelson set to adapt and direct it himself.
Azumah Nelson said: “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.”
Jimoh added: “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.”
Open Water is made by Banijay-backed Mam Tor Productions 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. 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.
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