Sky has announced the start of production for upcoming Sky Original drama, The Lovers, starring Johnny Flynn (Beast, Emma) and Roisin Gallagher (The Fall, The Dry).

Produced by Drama Republic, in association with Sky Studios, the new 6 x 30 series is written by award winning playwright David Ireland (Cyprus Avenue, Ulster American) and directed by BAFTA winning Justin Martin (Together, Prima Facie), the “darkly comic, romantic drama”, will be coming to Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW in 2023.

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.

The series also stars Conleth Hill (Game of Thrones, Holding) as Janet’s supermarket boss, Philip.

Liz Lewin & Manpreet Dosanjh, Executive Producers, 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.”

Roanna Benn and Rebecca de Souza, Executive Producers, Drama Republic, added: “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.”

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.