BBC has unveiled the cast for ‘Open Water’, the television adaptation of British-Ghanaian author Caleb Azumah Nelson’s 2021 debut novel, as filming officially gets underway in Birmingham and London.
The eight-part drama series, produced by Mam Tor Productions, a Banijay UK company, and B-Side Productions for BBC iPlayer and BBC One, will star Toheeb Jimoh and Dujonna Gift in the lead roles of Marcus and Effie.
Jimoh, who made his screen debut in the BBC’s ‘Anthony’, received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Ted Lasso and most recently appeared in the fourth season of Industry.
Dujonna Gift makes her television lead debut after appearing in Disney’s 2025 live-action Snow White, the original West End production of Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) and the upcoming second season of the BBC drama Ludwig.
Open Water follows Marcus, who works in retail while pursuing a career in photography, and Effie, a university dance student in Dublin. The pair experience an immediate connection when they meet, but their growing feelings are complicated by the fact that Effie is in a relationship with Marcus’ friend, Samuel. As they collaborate on a photography project documenting Black creatives in London, their friendship deepens into a profound love story that explores identity, belonging and intimacy.
Described as tender, intimate and deeply romantic, the series follows Marcus and Effie’s journey through love, desire and emotional vulnerability, asking whether their relationship can survive the challenges that stand in their way.
Joining Jimoh and Gift in the cast are Rhianna Dorris, Lamar Waves, Nadine Marshall, Henrietta Pearl Quartey, Hope Ikpoku Jnr, Sekou Diaby, Tara Tijani, Enva Lewis, Nash Nørgaard, Stevie Odu, Renee Bailey, Jayden Fowora Knight, Janina Elkin, Sherise Blackman, Matthew Dunster, Neve McDonnell, Javier Bonaparte, Beaux Bryant, Mo Sesay and Abdul Salis.
Speaking about the adaptation, Caleb Azumah Nelson said:
“The process of bringing Open Water from page to screen has been amazing, and I’ve found some truly outstanding collaborators. We rarely see love stories like this, and everyone, from crew to cast, has put their whole heart into this production to make it happen. I can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on.”
Jimoh described the project as “a dream project,” saying:
“This is a dream project for me. I fell in love with Marcus and Caleb’s story immediately. It’s such a sensitive, character-rich love story, delicately told and full of all the details of the south London I grew up in. It’s such an honour to be a part of this team, and I can’t wait to share this one with you all.”
Gift added:
“There are certain roles that remind you why you once fell in love with storytelling, and for me, this is one of them. To be able to step into Effie’s shoes and to bring a South London love story to screen, a story that many people already have been able to fall in love with, that is deeply rooted in the communities that shaped me is such an honour. I cannot wait for everyone to experience this new life of Caleb’s beautiful writing and for us all to swim with Effie & Marcus.”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said the novel had captivated readers worldwide.
“Open Water is a deeply romantic and beautifully observed story that has captivated readers around the world. With Caleb at the helm, and Toheeb and Dujonna leading a brilliant cast, we’re thrilled to bring this powerful and distinctive love story to BBC audiences.”
Producers Tally Garner of Mam Tor Productions and Matimba Kabalika of B-Side Productions said:
“In Caleb’s gorgeous vision for Open Water, Toheeb and Dujonna are electric as Marcus and Effie. Supported by an absolutely stellar cast, we are incredibly excited to see them bring all these wonderful characters to life.”
The eight-part, 30-minute series was commissioned by Lindsay Salt for BBC Drama. Caleb Azumah Nelson serves as lead writer, director and executive producer alongside Tally Garner for Mam Tor Productions, Matimba Kabalika for B-Side Productions and Rebecca Ferguson for the BBC. Karlvyn Dove is producing the series, while composer and musician Cassie Kinoshi will create the original score. Banijay Rights will handle international distribution.
First published in 2021, Open Water has been widely celebrated for its lyrical exploration of Black love, art, identity, and vulnerability in South East London, and has won the Costa First Novel Award.
