Filming has officially begun on BBC Scotland’s new drama Counsels, an eight-part series co-created by Bryan Elsley (Skins, Clique, Champion) and *Gillian McCormack. Set in Glasgow, Scotland, the drama follows the lives of young lawyers navigating both their early careers and complicated personal lives.
The series is being produced by Balloon Entertainment for BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and BBC Scotland, in association with All3Media International. Germany’s ZDFneo has also joined as a co-producer, signaling strong international appeal.
The main cast features a group of rising stars, including Brandon Grace (My Lady Jane), Ro Kumar (Traces), Eilidh Park (Wind of Change), George Prentice (The Pendragon Cycle), Alyth Ross (Last Light), and Rebecca Bell (Outlander: Blood of My Blood). These actors portray ambitious twenty-something lawyers balancing professional challenges with messy personal lives.
They are joined by an impressive supporting cast of established names: Michelle Gomez (The Flight Attendant), Derek Riddell (Happy Valley), Laura Haddock (The Recruit), Daniela Nardini (This Life), Michael Nardone (The Night Manager), Sally Howitt, Stuart Bowman, Neshla Caplan, and Stephen Purdon.
Elsley described the series as introducing “a galaxy of Scottish acting, writing and directing talent,” while McCormack emphasized the importance of Glasgow’s vibrant backdrop in shaping the narrative.
Commissioned earlier this year, Counsels forms part of the largest BBC drama investment in Scotland in over a decade, alongside projects like Grams and The Young Team. According to Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland: “Bryan and Gillian have created a wonderful world showcasing brilliant young lawyers whose professional and personal lives are as dramatic as the cases they represent.”
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The series is written by Elsley, McCormack, Maryam Hamidi (Vigil), and Jingan Young (Red Eye). It is directed by Lynsey Miller (Surface S2) and Siri Rødnes (Shetland), with All3Media International handling worldwide distribution.
With its blend of fresh talent, high-profile co-producers, and compelling legal drama, Counsels is already positioned as a major new addition to the BBC’s international drama slate.
Source: deadline.com
