If we know one thing to be true when it comes to a British drama, it’s that if Stephen Graham is the lead, it’s going to be stellar. You just have to look at the success of BBC’s Time, Sky’s Code 404 and Boiling Point to recognise the acting brilliance that Graham embodies.

Now, Graham is turning his talents – both as an actor and executive producer – to a new thriller series that’s set to explore the dark underbelly of boxing in 1880s Victorian London. A Thousand Blows is going to be gritty, tense and understandably a bit violent (it’s all in the title, after all) but what else would we expect from Steven Knight, the lead writer and creator of the new series? Knight not only created beloved Birmingham-based Peaky Blinders, but he’s also the co-creator of Taboo, alongside Tom Hardy.

In a nutshell, with these two British heavyweights at the helm of A Thousand Blows, it’s going to be one hell of a series. Here’s everything you need to know about it so far, including a new exclusive clip of the all-women crime gang, The Forty Elephants.

What is the plot of A Thousand Blows? 

While this is a series that will be heavy on boxing, it’s also set to explore the social climate of London in the post-industrial revolution era.

As the synopsis reads: “The thrilling series follows Hezekiah and Alec, two best friends from Jamaica who find themselves thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End. Drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving boxing scene, Hezekiah meets Mary Carr, leader of The Forty Elephants – the notorious all-female London gang – as they battle for survival on the streets.

“As Hezekiah sharpens his new skills, he comes up against Sugar Goodson, a seasoned and dangerous boxer played by Stephen Graham, and the two are soon locked into an intense rivalry that spills out way beyond the ring.” 

Who will star in A Thousand Blows?

Stephen Graham will star as Sugar Goodson, the dangerous boxing rival at the heart of the drama. Erin Doherty (The Crown, Chloe), Malachi Kirby (Small Axe, Wicked Little Letters), Hannah Walters and Darci Shaw will also star.

A Thousand Blows is based on real-life figures and stories so providing some important academic input is award-winning broadcaster and historian Professor David Olusoga, who will also act as executive producer on the series.

Speaking about the new series, Steven Knight said: “I’m really thrilled to be working on this project with Stephen as well as the very talented production team and group of writers. I always love to delve into untold history, and this is a story that really deserves to be told. We are recreating an amazing world and telling a remarkable true story.”

Graham commented: “To be able to work with Steve again and the talented team of writers we have for this project is truly wonderful, and to tell the story of these incredible characters during this period of time in London is a joy.

When will A Thousand Blows be released?

The six-part series will launch exclusively on 21 February on Disney+. 

Images: Disney+