The BBC has announced that new drama Babies, written and directed by Stefan Golaszewski (Mum, Marriage) for BBC iPlayer and BBC One has now started filming.

Paapa Essiedu (Black Mirror, The Outrun) and Siobhán Cullen (Bodkin, Obituary) lead the cast, which also includes Jack Bannon (Pennyworth, Pulse) and Charlotte Riley (The Peripheral, Press).

Produced by Snowed-In Productions and The Money Men Studios for the BBC, and in association with All3Media International who act as overseas partner, the six-part series is a “warm and touching drama which explores the delicate tightrope of love and loss in a young couple’s desire to become parents.” Lisa (Cullen) and Stephen (Essiedu) are dealing with the struggle of pregnancy loss while life continues around them. “However, despite facing dark times of grief and loneliness, they are finding their way through it with a burning sense of hope, humour, and love, realising the strength of their relationship, which will ultimately bring them closer than ever.”

Golaszewski says: “Paapa, Siobhán, Jack and Charlotte are all incredible actors. Their warmth, detail and deep humanity are essential to telling this crucial story that’s never told.”

Executive producer for Snowed-In Productions, Ruth Kenley-Letts says: “The emotional truth of Stefan’s writing is exceptional. I am so excited to be playing a small part in bringing Stefan’s compelling story of love and hope to the screen.”

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, says: “Babies has everything we love about Stefan Golaszewski’s work – a tender, authentic, emotional and human look at couples navigating a time in their lives that is rarely covered on television. It’s no surprise that this very special series has attracted such an outstanding cast, and it’s been an honour to see them bring Stefan’s scripts to life.”

Babies is a 6 x 60” drama from Snowed-In Productions and The Money Men Studios for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. It was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama. It is created, written and directed by two-time BAFTA winner Stefan Golaszewski who is also an executive producer alongside Ruth Kenley- Letts (Joan, Strike) for Snowed-In Productions, Neil Blair (Fantastic Beasts, Strike) and Richard Laxton (Joan, Rain Dogs), and Danielle Scott-Haughton for the BBC. It is series produced by BAFTA winner Lyndsay Robinson (Mum, Marriage), with Kelly Duffell (Aftersun, Black Mirror) as producer.