Thorne and Stephen Graham wrote the smash hit Netflix drama, which centred on the arrest of 13-year-old Jamie Miller following a murder of a classmate and the fallout for both Jamie and his loved ones.

Following the success of the show, Thorne has written his first-ever love story, Falling, with filming beginning in Wales and Bristol for the major new Channel 4 drama.

It will tell the story of the budding relationship between Anna, a devoted nun, and David, a Catholic priest, who will be played by Scoop‘s Keeley Hawes and Black Mirror‘s Paapa Essiedu, respectively.

A synopsis continues: “Both are deeply committed to their work in the church and in their community. Neither are expected to fall in love.

“But when they do, both are forced to wrestle with what it means for them, their vows, and their relationship with God. Falling is a witty, moving, contemporary romantic drama that is as honest as it is full of heart.”

keeley hawes, paapa essiedu, falling
Channel 4

Speaking about the show, Thorne said in a statement: “I never thought I’d write a love story, but I am very excited to be making one with the brilliant Peter Hoar.

“We feel so lucky we have persuaded the mighty (and lovely) Keeley Hawes, the brilliant (and also lovely) Paapa Essiedu and the most amazing company of (lovely) actors to come make this with us, The Forge and Channel 4.”

The cast is rounded out by Kaos‘ Rakie Ayola, Coma‘s Jason Watkins, The Virtues‘ Niamh Cusack, Gavin & Stacey‘s Adrian Scarborough, and My Policeman‘s David Dawson.

Mr Bates vs The Post Office‘s Susan Brown and Vera Drake‘s Sandra Voe also appear alongside TV newcomers Holly Rhys and Shayde Sinclair.

Hawes shared her excitement, commenting: “I’m thrilled to be taking on the role of Anna and so looking forward to working alongside the brilliant Paapa Essiedu to bring Jack Thorne’s beautiful scripts to life.”

keeley hawes, paapa essiedu, falling
Channel 4

Essiedu added: “Falling is a story that has Jack Thorne’s singular talent of mining the sublime out of the ordinary running all the way through. I can’t wait to work with Keeley, Peter and the rest of the team to bring this world to life.”

It comes after it was reported a second season of Adolescence could be in the works after show bosses were rumoured to be in talks for a follow-up.

Deadline reported Plan B co-presidents Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner are in conversation with director Philip Barantini about the “next iteration” of the show.