Channel 4’s ‘nerve-shedding’ thriller is to take viewers on an emotional rollercoaster

Buckle up, because Channel 4 is about to drop a ‘heart-pounding’ new thriller with a national treasure of a lead star.

From the makers of Slow Horses, In Flight will hit screens in a matter of weeks, with none other than Katherine Kelly taking the lead.

The former Coronation Street actress is a failsafe when it comes to TV dramas these days, having played huge roles in The Long Shadow, Happy Valley, and the highly decorated Mr Bates vs the Post Office, to name just a few.

But now, her work sees her take to the skies for a crime drama that will, quite literally, have you gasping for breath.

In the series directed by Chris Baugh, Kelly plays a flight attendant named Jo Conran whose son has been arrested and locked up in Bulgaria.

The teenager is sentenced to 15 years behind bars, catapulting Jo into a terrifying criminal underworld as she entangles herself with a gang that has inside knowledge of his case.

As her mundane life very quickly starts to spiral, the single mother is blackmailed into drug smuggling, while her son maintains his innocence after being accused of murder.

With fast-paced storytelling and a high-pressure backdrop, the six-parter is guaranteed to get your mind racing and chest tightening, as Jo goes to extremes to protect her boy, making impossible choices along the way.

Speaking ahead of the show’s summer release, as shooting took place last November, Innocent actress Kelly, 45, said: ‘I am really excited to be taking on the role of Jo, and I can’t wait to tell her compelling story.

‘I am delighted to be working with Buccaneer Media again, and it’s a joy to be filming in Belfast.’

And when the former soap star announced her latest role on social media and shared a preview pic of herself in character aboard the aircraft, fans were quick to express their own excitement.

‘Will definitely be watching!’, commented Instagram user @cheekychic_biarritz.

‘I cannot wait to watch this!!!! 👏👏’, wrote @rachelemmawoodington.

‘Katherine is a absolutely amazing actor 👌❤️🎥 [sic]’, added @superfitguy.

As well as Kelly, the cast comprises historical drama star Stuart Martin as gang member Cormac, star of Netflix’s Hostage, Ashley Thomas as London airport customs officer Dom, and The Fall’s Bronagh Waugh as Melanie.

Rising star Harry Cadby also plays Sonny, Heartstopper’s Corinna Brown portrays Kayla, and Black Mirror star Ambreen Razia is Zara.

As for the behind-the-camera crew, there are plenty of established names on board, assuring viewers that they are in safe hands.

The series is written and co-created by Mike Walden, who worked on Marcella and Whitstable Pearl, and Adam Randall of Slow Horses and iBoy.

In a teasy statement, the pair called In Flight ‘[their] spin on the noir genre, a high-stakes, stylish, romantic thriller with iconic characters and nerve-shredding action.’

So, you’re probably wondering when you can actually tune in…

In Flight lands on Channel 4 in early August, so while an exact date is yet to be announced, we don’t have long to wait.

Watch In Flight on Channel 4 next month.

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