Sky begins producing "The Lovers" original drama

Sky confirmed the start of production for upcoming Sky Original drama, "The Lovers," starring Johnny Flynn and Roisin Gallagher. “We are so excited that David’s beautifully crafted, romantic and subversive story is being brought to life by such a brilliant team and cast - with the hugely talented Justin Martin at the helm," Roanna Benn and Rebecca de Souza, Executive Producers, Drama Republic, said.

Written by award winning playwright David Ireland and directed by BAFTA winning Justin Martin, the darkly comic, romantic drama, will be coming to Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW in 2023. Produced by Drama Republic, in association with Sky Studios, the new 6 x 30 series is about love, connection and finding your soulmate in the most unlikely of places. The series also stars Conleth Hill (Game of Thrones, Holding) as Janet’s supermarket boss, Philip.

The series was commissioned by Gabriel Silver, Director of Commissioning for Drama at Sky Studios for Zai Bennett, Managing Director of Content at Sky UK. Roanna Benn and Rebecca de Souza are executive producers for Drama Republic, with commissioning editors Liz Lewin and Manpreet Dosanjh as executive producers for Sky Studios. Hannah Pescod also serves as executive producer, with Chris Martin as producer. "The Lovers" is written by David Ireland and directed by Justin Martin. NBCUniversal Global Distribution handles international sales on behalf of Sky Studios.“We can’t wait to start filming 'The Lovers' and see our two brilliant leads, Johnny and Roisin, bring our love-struck odd couple to life. David has written the most unique, funny and heart-warming scripts and we look forward to shooting against the iconic backdrops of Belfast and London," Liz Lewin & Manpreet Dosanjh, Executive Producers, Sky Studios, said.

The series follows Janet (Gallagher), a foul-mouthed, hilarious, Belfast supermarket worker who couldn’t give a shit about anything much at all, including her life, and Seamus (Flynn) a handsome, self-centred, political broadcaster with what looks to be a perfect London life and a celebrity girlfriend. So when Seamus unexpectedly drops into Janet’s world (literally over the wall and into her backyard) they instantly clash – and yet also find themselves inextricably drawn to each other…  Set in Belfast, this is a sexy, funny, fight-y love story about two people who appear to be utterly wrong for each other – yet may just be utterly right.