Crime thrillers and the BBC go together like any good pairing: wine and cheese, hot chocolate and romcoms, brunch and Saturdays. From Happy Valley and Better to Inside Man and Crossfire, the BBC has wowed us consistently with its recent thriller output.

Now, another meaty new drama is on the way and it looks like one we’ll have no problem getting our teeth stuck into. Wolf is set to be BBC One’s major new crime drama and it’s based on Mo Hayder’s bestselling Jack Caffery novels.

Ukweli Roach (The Midwich Cuckoos) will play DI Jack Caffery, and now that the BBC has unveiled first-look images from the show, we can’t wait for this adaptation to unfold on the small screen. With that, here’s everything you need to know about Wolf. 

What is the plot of Wolf?

The upcoming six-part series will be based on the novels of Mo Hayder, who rose to prominence within the crime thriller genre for her terrifying tales and shocking twists.

The BBC drama will blend a cold case (that has a personal connection to the lead detective) with some sinister parallel storylines. 

“DI Jack Caffery is a young man searching for himself,” according to the BBC synopsis. “Obsessed with the neighbour he believes murdered his 10-year-old brother in the 90s, Jack finds himself trying to right the wrongs of others, but at what cost?

“In an isolated house in Monmouthshire, the wealthy Anchor-Ferrers family find themselves the victims of a psychopath’s cruel games, trapped and terrorised. When the two narratives collide, it’s a thrilling, nail-biting and deeply disturbing race against time.”

With the series being written and adapted by Megan Gallagher (Borderliner, Suspicion), as well as being produced by award-winning Hartswood Films (Sherlock, Dracula) and APC Studios, we should be in for a twisted treat of a drama. 

Who will star in Wolf?

As well as Roach leading the cast as Caffery, the cast is jam-packed with familiar faces.

Sacha Dhawan (Doctor Who) and Iwan Rheon (Game Of Thrones) will star as Honey and Molina, a pair of mismatched professionals who are forced together on a job.

Sian Reese-Williams (Line Of Duty) will star as DI Maia Lincoln, a woman with a case to prove; Juliet Stevenson (Bend It Like Beckham) will star as Matilda Anchor-Ferrers, an intelligent yet neurotic housewife; and Owen Teale (Line Of Duty, Game Of Thrones) will play Oliver Anchor-Ferrers, Matilda’s wealthy and well-connected husband. 

What has been said about Wolf?

Speaking to BBC about his new role, Roach has said: “I’m honoured to be taking on the role of Jack Caffrey in Wolf. 

“Megan Gallagher has brought Mo Hayder’s dark storylines into focus in a way that will be challenging, but also every actor’s dream. I can’t wait to bring Jack to life.”

Elaine Cameron, executive producer for Hartswood Films, said: “We are delighted to have attracted such an amazing cast into our wonderfully entertaining crime/horror world! It’s a real testament to the originality of Megan’s scripts. I am particularly excited about young actor Ukweli Roach playing the lead role of Jack Caffery – I guarantee once the series goes out he will be a total household name!”

Ben Irving, commissioning editor for BBC Drama, added: “Unsurprisingly, the combination of Megan’s brilliant scripts, Kristoffer Nyholm in the director’s chair, and the world-class creative team at Hartswood and APC have attracted a phenomenal cast to this gripping and deliciously twisted drama. Mo Hayder’s characters are in safe hands.” 

When and where will Wolf be available to watch?

Wolf will be available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. While we don’t have a confirmed release date just yet, we do know that it is set to land on our screens later this year.

Watch this space for updates. 

Images: BBC