Hot off the press for these two very talented actors! The BBC have confirmed that filming has begun up in Scotland on The Control Room, from Hartswood Films, written by BAFTA and RTS award-winning Nick Leather (Mothers’ Day, Murdered for Being Different) for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Iain De Caestecker and Joanna Vanderham will lead the cast of the 3-part drama, directed by Amy Neil. Further cast includes Sharon Rooney, Daniel Portman, Taj Atwal and Stuart Bowman.

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The Control Room is a thriller set in Glasgow, and tells the story of Gabe (De Caestecker), an ordinary man who works as an emergency call handler for the Scottish Ambulance Service in Glasgow. His world is turned upside down when he receives a desperate life-and-death call from a woman who appears to know him. With Gabe under pressure to work out who she is, he makes a decision that threatens to have devastating consequences.

De Caestecker had this to say: 

“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.”

Vanderham added: 

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

Elaine Cameron, Executive Producer for Hartswood Films, says:

“Nick Leather has written a roller-coaster 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.”

The Control Room is a 3×60” for BBC One and BBC iPlayer and will be executive produced by Elaine Cameron for Hartswood Films and Gaynor Holmes for the BBC – Filming is taking place in Glasgow and the surrounding areas and transmission details will follow in due course.

Headshot of Joanna Vanderham courtesy of Faye Thomas.

Headshot of Iain De Caestecker courtesy of Elliot Morgan.