Crossfire: BBC drama series release date, trailer, and cast with Keeley Hawes, Josette Simon, and Lee Ingleby

Crossfire, a new drama starring Keeley Hawes, is set to arrive on BBC One and iPlayer on Tuesday 20 September.

The series, which is written by Apple Tree Yard’s Louise Doughty, is set in a luxury resort that descends into violence.

Here’s everything you need to know about Crossfire.

What is Crossfire about?

The official BBC One synopsis for Crossfire reveals that “Sunbathing on her hotel room balcony while on a dream holiday with her family and friends, Jo’s (Keeley Hawes) world is turned upside down when shots ring out across the complex. Gunmen, out for revenge, have, in an instant, turned a slice of paradise into a terrifying heart-breaking hell.”

It goes on to describe the series as “A story of survival and resilience, Crossfire is an edge-of-your-seat nail-biting thriller yet also emotional, intimate and relatable. With the unsuspecting holidaymakers and hotel staff forced to make monumental split-second life or death decisions, the consequences will linger long after the final shots are fired.”

Who stars in Crossfire?

Keeley Hawes plays Jo, a holidaymaker caught in the crossfire. Hawes is a prolific actor, perhaps best known for roles in Ashes to Ashes and Line of Duty, but you might also recognise her from It’s A Sin, The Midwich Cuckoos, and Doctor Who. She can next be seen in the Orphan Black spinoff across from Krysten Ritter.

Lee Ingleby plays Jason, Jo’s partner with whom she has a strained relationship. You might know Ingleby from appearing in The A Word, where he played Max’s dad Paul, or from roles in crime dramas like Innocent, Line of Duty, and Criminal: UK.

Josette Simon plays Miriam, a close friend of Jo’s. Simon is perhaps best known for appearing in Blake’s 7, but in more recent years she’s received acclaim for appearing in Small Axe, Anatomy of a Scandal, The Witcher, and Halo. She can next be seen in Amazon’s Neil Gaiman adaptation Anansi Boys.

They’re joined by Anneika Rose (Deadwater Fell, Line of Duty), Daniel Ryan (The Bay, Home Fires), Vikash Bhai (The Stranger, Limbo), Hugo Silva (Nasdrovia, The Cook of Castamar), Alba Brunet (Operation Mincemeat, Paraiso, The Mallorca Files), Shalisha James-Davis (Alex Rider, I May Destroy You) and Ariyon Bakare (His Dark Materials, Good Omens).

Who writes and directs it?

The series was written and executive produced by Louise Doughty. Crossfire is Doughty’s first television series, though you might be familiar already with her novels – Doughty has written nine books so far, the most famous of which, Apple Tree Yard, was adapted for BBC One a few years ago.

All three episodes were directed by Tessa Hoffe, who has previously worked on Kin, Wayne, and Majority.

Is there a trailer for Crossfire?

Yes, there is! You can watch it right here.

When and how can I watch Crossfire?

Crossfire will air on BBC One on Tuesday 20th September, Wednesday 21st September and Thursday 22nd September at 9pm.

Every episode will be available from Tuesday as a boxset on BBC iPlayer.

How many episodes is Crossfire?

There are three episodes to Crossfire, each around an hour long.

Where was Crossfire filmed?

Crossfire is set in the Canary Islands, and filmed in Tenerife during 2021. The series was co-produced by the Spanish television company RTVE.

Why should I watch Crossfire?

It’s one to watch if you’re a fan of Keeley Hawes – who isn’t? – or if you’ve enjoyed Louise Doughty’s novels. This is her first television series, so definitely one to check out if you’re already a fan of her as an author too.