The four-part drama is a forbidden love story set against the backdrop of the Northern Irish Troubles.

Gillian Anderson, Lola Petticrew and Tom Cullen will star in a new C4 drama, Trespasses, adapted for the screen by Ailbhe Keogan from Louise Kennedy’s novel. Wildgaze Films produces; filming takes place in Belfast this autumn.

The 4 x 60’ drama is set in 1975 in a town outside Belfast. Petticrew plays Cushla, a sparky young woman whose hopes and dreams have been frustrated by the grind of daily life. Cullen is Michael, a barrister, while Anderson portrays Gina, Cushla’s mother, a ‘glorious wreck’ who is constantly sparring with her daughter.

Dawn Shadforth directs; Maria Mulhall produces. Trespasses was commissioned by Ollie Madden, director of Film4 and head of drama and Gwawr Lloyd, senior commissioning editor for Channel 4.

Amanda Posey executive produces for Wildgaze Films; the exec producers are Anderson, director Shadforth, writer Kennedy and Finola Dwyer.

Anderson said: “I fell in love with Louise’s stunning book when I read it in proof. I was immediately drawn to the tragi-comic creation that is Gina and couldn’t resist when Louise asked me to play her. Reading Ailbhe’s brilliant scripts confirmed how vividly this story could translate to screen and with Dawn at the helm and Lola and Tom alongside, I’m delighted to be part of the Trespasses family.”

Posey added: “From the moment I read Louise’s remarkable debut novel, I wanted to bring it to screen. Channel 4 shared my passion and backed us when the book was still in manuscript, later joined by ideal international partners in All3Media International.

“Our singular director Dawn’s vision and Ailbhe’s subtle and moving scripts are perfect for the dark, sexy, funny and devastating world of Louise’s story. I’m thrilled by our cast, the exciting central pairing of Lola Petticrew and Tom Cullen, and the brilliant Gillian Anderson. Together with our producer Maria & the superb Northern Irish team, we can’t wait to introduce Trespasses to audiences everywhere.”

All3Media International is the global partner with funding from Northern Ireland Screen.