The BBC’s thriller roster of late has been the stuff of our viewing schedule dreams. Not only do we have Better and The Following Events Are Based On A Pack Of Lies to look forward to, but we’re also still recovering from the twists of Sherwood.

One drama that we’ve been eagerly counting down the days until, though, has been BBC’s The Control Room. We knew that this Glasgow-based thriller series was coming to our screens this year, but after it’s premiere last night (Sunday 17 July), it’s firmly been placed in the canon of unmissable BBC drama.

While some spoke of the first episode’s slow burn, many others were hooked and were quick to hail it as one of the best new thriller series.

We may or may not have binge-watched all three episodes already.

Because, as is the case with any good thriller, The Control Room just intensifies with each new episode.

Prepare for all of the twists.

And people are rightfully praising Iain De Caestecker and Joanna Vanderham for their gripping performances.

And if that wasn’t enough to convince you to add The Control Room to your watchlist, perhaps the seal of approval from Line Of Duty’s Jed Mercurio himself will convince you.

If you’re yet to lap up the three-part drama for yourself and want to get equally as excited as us, here’s everything you need to know about The Control Room. 

What is the plot of The Control Room?

This gripping new Glasgow-based thriller tells the story of Gabe (Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D’s Iain De Caestecker), an ordinary man who works as an emergency call handler for the Strathclyde Ambulance Service.

As the synopsis reads: “His world is turned upside down when he receives a desperate life-and-death call from a woman who appears to know him, but with Gabe under pressure to work out who she is, he makes a decision that threatens to have devastating consequences.” 

Who is starring in The Control Room?

As previously mentioned, De Caestecker is leading the drama alongside Joanna Vanderham (Dancing On The Edge), who is starring as Sam. Additional cast members of the three-part drama include Sharon Rooney (My Mad Fat Diary), Daniel Portman (Vigil), Taj Atwal (Line Of Duty) and Stuart Bowman (Bodyguard).

The drama is directed by Amy Neil (Trust Me, Hanna), so we’re in very safe hands when it comes to nailing that high-octane, slow-burning feeling. We can’t wait. 

Is there a trailer for The Control Room?

There most certainly is and while it may be a short one, you may just find that you’ll be left holding your breath for the entirety of it. In it, Gabe answers an emergency call from a woman. It’s hard to calm her down to get details from her – that is until she recognises him. “Do I know you?” Gabe asks confused.

“Don’t you remember? I didn’t know who else to call,” the woman on the other end of the phone line says. Suddenly we see Gabe running through forests, hiding from strangers and meeting new people – all who he claims to not know. But could he be hiding some secrets of his own?

Watch the trailer for yourself here:

What has been said about The Control Room?

Speaking about his new role, De Caestecker said: “The Control Room is one of the most exciting scripts I’ve ever read. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time so I’m thrilled to now be bringing it to life. I’ve always loved working with the BBC and am especially delighted to be filming alongside this fantastic cast and crew in my hometown of Glasgow.”

Joanna Vanderham commented: “I am so excited for the opportunity to bring Nick Leather’s incredibly complex characters to life. Filming in my home country of Scotland is always special and my research for the character means I’ve been reminiscing about my own adolescence.

“The BBC creates some of the best global programming there is, and Amy Neil is going to add The Control Room to its exceptional catalogue. I can’t wait for people to see what we do!” 

Elaine Cameron, executive producer for Hartswood Films, also shared: “Nick Leather has written a rollercoaster ride of a story that will thrill audiences with every twist and turn.

“We are delighted to have such a visionary director in Amy Neil – she’s like a tiny Scottish female Hitchcock! As with many Hartswood dramas we are incredibly lucky to have attracted some amazing acting talent. Iain and Joanna are electrifying and are supported by a brilliant cast of Scottish actors.” 

When and where will The Control Room be available to watch?

Episode two airs tonight (Monday 18 July) at 9pm on BBC One and concludes tomorrow night. All episodes are now also available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Images: BBC