Reunion BBC One: Everything you need to know about the thriller starring Eastenders and Strictly Come Dancing star Rose Ayling- Ellis and written by deaf Yorkshire writer as filming begins in Sheffield

The BBC has announced the cast for new thriller Reunion and filming has started.

The series marks a milestone when it comes to inclusive storytelling as the majority of cast and many members of the filming crew are deaf or use British Sign Language (BSL).

The writer, William Mager, writer and executive producer of Reunion, is deaf and hails from Sheffield. He was inspired to work in the film and television industry after watching Modern Times and Singin’ in the Rain on VHS as a young boy.

William Mager said: “I wanted to address a difficult topic that’s mostly unique to the deaf community in the vehicle of a mystery thriller that educates audiences about what it’s like to be deaf, without falling into the usual tropes of ‘deep, rich and beautiful sign language’ and ‘living in a silent world’.

“We have an incredible wealth of deaf acting talent in this country, and I can’t wait to see what they can do.”

Matthew Gurney, who portrays the main character in the series, said: “William’s scripts are electrifying and it’s a privilege to bring Brennan to life in this gripping tale of revenge, redemption and reconciliation.”

Mark Herbert for Warp Films, said: “Reunion stands as a testament to our commitment at Warp Films for genuine representation and thrilling inclusive storytelling that resonates with all audiences whilst amplifying the voices and talents of an often-overlooked community both on and off screen.”

Director of BBC Drama, Lindsay Salt, said: “It’s no surprise that William Mager’s layered, intelligent and utterly compelling scripts have attracted a cast and crew of such exceptional calibre to bring this story to the BBC.

“A thriller like no other, this is a reunion you won’t want to miss.”

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Chief executive of Screen Yorkshire, Caroline Cooper Charles, said: “This fantastic cast underlines how extraordinarily excited we are about Reunion.

“Screen Yorkshire is so proud to support a show from homegrown talent that places inclusivity and representation at the heart of its storytelling and creative ambition.”

What is BBC thriller series Reunion about?

This show is an emotional thriller about revenge and redemption following the journey of deaf man Daniel Brennan.

After being released from prison, Daniel is determined to right his wrongs, while uncovering the truth behind the events that led him to prison.

Along the way he is ostracised from friends and family but that doesn’t stop him from finding out the truth.

Who has been cast in BBC thriller Reunion?

Matthew Gurney as Daniel Brennan

Lara Peake as Carly

Anne-Marie Duff as Christine

Eddie Marsan as Stephen

Rose Ayling-Ellis as Miri

Stephen Collins as Sean

Ace Mahbaz as Ray Mokhtar

Sophie Stone as Naomi Brennan

Olive Gray as Anna Shenford

Joe Sims as Joe Summers

Julian Peedle-Calloo as Gardner

Cherie Gordon as Tasha

Rinkoo Barpaga as Vinay

James Joseph Boyle as Matthew

Joanne Harrison as Brennan’s mum

David Hirshman as Brennan’s dad

Where is the BBC thriller Reunion being filmed?

Filming has started in Sheffield and other filming locations include Doncaster.

It is produced by Sheffield-based Warp Films and supported by Screen Yorkshire for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.