Channel 4 has announced additional cast for its upcoming drama series Up to No Good, starring Glenn Close as the cantankerous Maud Oldcastle. The series features Anita Dobson from EastEnders and Claudia Jessie from Bridgerton in key roles. Adapted from Helene Tursten's short stories, the six-part drama is currently filming in London.
Channel 4's forthcoming drama Up to No Good centers on Maud Oldcastle, portrayed by Glenn Close as a hilariously brusque, cantankerous, and ruthless older woman who has spent her life caring for her vulnerable sister, Charlotte, played by Penelope Wilton. Frustrated with her circumstances, Maud takes extreme measures to claim a second act, but a suspicious young detective begins investigating a death in her building and uncovers more about her past and present crimes.
The announcement includes Claudia Jessie as the insightful detective Hannah, marking a departure from her role as Eloise in Netflix's Bridgerton. Other cast members are Anita Dobson as Elsa, Gloria Obianyo as Astrid, Ben Crompton as Barry, and Meera Syal as Margaret. The series is written by siblings Nina Raine and Moses Raine, adapting Helene Tursten's short story collections An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good and An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed. Nina Raine is known for the 2018 play Consent, while Moses Raine wrote the 2014 comedy Donkey Heart.
Directing the six-part series is Lee Haven Jones, who recently helmed ITV's A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story. Production is underway in London. Rebecca Holdsworth, Channel 4's Commissioning Editor for Drama, stated: "Nina and Moses Raine's deliciously dark and witty world has drawn together a truly fantastic line-up, and we're excited for audiences to be introduced to Maud Oldcastle and the unforgettable characters surrounding her. Up to No Good promises a bold, razor sharp and wickedly entertaining series that feels undoubtedly Channel 4."
Andrew Plotkin of Sony Pictures Television added: "We are thrilled to have Lee Haven Jones directing the series... With a standout cast joining Glenn to bring Nina and Moses' brilliantly crafted scripts to life, their collaboration further elevates the storytelling at the heart of Up to No Good. What's coming together is remarkable... audiences are in for something truly special."
Scott Huff of Playground noted: "We are thrilled to have brought together this extraordinary group of artists for Up to No Good. A cast of this calibre is a testament to Nina and Moses's brilliant scripts, our casting director Robert Sterne's exceptional taste and Glenn Close's legendary talent."
The series is set to air soon on Channel 4.
