Paramount+ has commissioned “Baby Doll,” a new original U.K. thriller series.
Based on the novel by Hollie Overton, the 6-part series — described as a “gripping exploration of trauma, resilience, sisterhood, and the high cost of reclaiming one’s life” — is being produced by Brit production banner Clapperboard Studios.
Now in production, “Baby Doll” — currently a working title — will follow the story of twin sisters Lily and Abby, whose lives are shattered when Lily is abducted from their quiet rural English town by beloved local teacher Rick Hansen. After years of abuse in captivity, Lily escapes, only to discover that freedom brings its own challenges. The world she longed to return to has moved on without her. As Abby, Lily and their mother Eve struggle to rebuild their family, they must confront the lasting damage and the terrifying reality that Rick is still out there, determined to control the narrative and evade justice.
The series will star Alfie Allen (“Game of Thrones,” “SAS Rogue Heroes”) and Jill Halfpenny (“The Feud,” “After the Flood”) as Rick and Eve, while sisters Tallulah (“The Forsyte Saga,” “My Fault: London”) and Delphi Evans will take on the roles of Lily and Abby.
Also joining the cast are Holly Atkins (“Mobland,” “Criminal Justice”), Victoria Ekanoye (“The Turkish Detective,” “The Royals”), Vikash Bhai (“Limbo,” “Virdee”), Niamh Walsh (“Smother,” “Jamestown”), Levi Brown (“This Town,” “Invasion”) and Kiran Krishnakumar (“What it Feels Like For a Girl,” “Everything Now”).
Mike Benson and Suzi McIntosh serve as executive producers for Clapperboard, with Mick Pantaleo producing. The series has been adapted for screen by David Turpin (“The Ex Wife,” “The Cuckoo”), Suzanne Cowie (“The Serial Killer’s Wife,” “Good Ship Murder”), and Nessah Muthy (“The Ex Wife,” “Grantchester”). Laura Way (“The Serial Killer’s Wife,” “Maxine”) and Bindu de Stoppani (“Silent Witness,” “Beyond Paradise”) are the directors.
“Baby Doll” was commissioned by Sebastian Cardwell, deputy chief content officer, U.K., and Paul Testar, commissioning editor, for Paramount+ U.K. & Ireland.
“’Baby Doll’ is the kind of thrilling, emotionally rich storytelling we’re proud to champion on Paramount+ U.K. & Ireland. With a brilliant creative team and a gripping narrative at its heart, this series is set to be a standout addition to our original drama slate,” said Cardwell.
“We are hugely proud to be bringing Hollie Overton’s original, compelling and successful novel ‘Baby Doll’ to screen,” added Clapperboard’s McIntosh. “Its dark psychological storytelling full of twists and turns keeps us on the edge of our seats throughout. This is Clapperboard’s first global Paramount+ collaboration and we could not be more excited.”
“Baby Doll” will be available exclusively on Paramount+ U.K. & Ireland as well as all other Paramount+ international territories. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
Allen is represented by The Artists Partnership, CAA, and Untitled Entertainment. Halfpenny is represented by The Artists Partnership.
