“A watch-in-one-night series”: The Rapture is the "rollercoaster" BBC thriller fans have called “remarkable"

Fans have called it a “remarkable” story, and now Liz Jensen’s bestselling 2009 novel is coming to the small screen. The Rapture is the BBC's next major thriller based on Liz’s megahit book, which tackles psychology, climate change, faith and more - and according to the BBC's Director of Drama, Lindsay Salt, we can expect an "emotional rollercoaster of a drama."

If you haven’t dug into the novel yet, the story follows Gabrielle “Gabs” Fox (Ruth Madeley), a new paraplegic recovering from a car crash that left her paralysed. She takes a job in a high-security centre for juvenile patients where she meets teenager Bethany, who’s in there for murdering her mother - and claims to have psychic powers. Is she telling the truth, or in fact a manipulative psychopath? Starring Ruth Jones and Ruth Madeley, we just know it’ll be a watch-in-one-night series!

Ahead of The Rapture's arrival on our screens, here’s everything you need to know about the series, including the plot, cast and how to watch it.

What is The Rapture about?

The five-part series is a thriller that “crackles with danger,” according to the BBC. It’s an adaptation of Liz Jensen’s 2009 bestseller and there’s a climate change element to it, as it’s set during a heatwave where there are widespread protests. Gabrilla “Gabs” Fox (Ruth Madeley) is a forensic psychologist who starts a new job at a high-security psychiatric hospital. There she meets 17-year-old Bethany (India Amarteifio) who was convicted of murdering her mum - but she’s innocent, she claims.

Meanwhile Bethany’s estranged dad Leonard (Sam Hazeldine) is the charismatic leader of a large, influential religious movement. Bethany confides in Gabs that she has psychic powers and can predict the future, but Gabs is naturally sceptical. What will it take for her to believe Bethany - and who did actually kill her mother?

Ruth Madeley, who stars as Gabs, says, “It's a total joy to lead such a powerful and vibrant series and bring the writing of Bryony Kimmings and Rebecca Manley to life. The Rapture is an incredibly special project to me and I'm thrilled to be Executive Producing the series alongside such a fantastic team and bringing accessibility to the forefront of production.”

Bethany actress India Amarteifio added: “I’m over the moon to be getting started on this production and cannot wait to bring Bethany onto tellies. It will be a massive challenge for me professionally, which I’m very much welcoming and feel incredibly safe to do so in the hands of Mammoth and Ruth!”

While Rebecca Durbin, Series Executive Producer for Mammoth Screen, said: “The Rapture is a hugely powerful and entertaining female led drama, which is charged with timely, important and deeply resonant themes. The chemistry between Ruth and India is utterly compelling and their passion for the project is unrivalled - we cannot wait to bring it to the screen alongside the BBC and Creative Wales thanks to this phenomenal cast!”

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, added: “This thriller brings Liz Jensen’s compelling novel to life with a truly talented cast led by the brilliant Ruth Madeley and India Amarteifio. The Rapture features two complicated and captivating characters, blended with a story of climate change, to create a gripping narrative and I can’t wait for BBC viewers to see it.”

Who’s in the cast of The Rapture?

The cast of The Rapture includes:

• Ruth Madeley (Doctor Who, Then Barbara Met Alan)
• India Amarteifio (Queen Charlotte, The Midwich Cuckoos)
• Jack Farthing (Rain Dogs, Spencer)
• Iwan Rheon (Those About to Die, Game of Thrones)
• Stephen Campbell Moore (The History Boys, Masters of the Air)
• Lisa Palfrey (Sex Education, Cobra)
• Siena Kelly (Black Mirror, Domino Day)
• Naby Dakhil (House of David, Messiah)
• Richard Elis (The Pact, Creisis)
• Dean Rehman (The Kite Runner, Until I Kill You)
• Robert Rhodes (28 Years Later, House of the Dragon)
• Ruth Jones (Gavin & Stacey, Stella)

Is the book by Liz Jensen any good?

Yes - it's a sharp, pacy novel with plenty of drama. Readers have raved about it as a fast thriller with a psychological edge, calling it “remarkable”. The Rapture was shortlisted for the Brit Writers’ Awards and selected as a Channel 4 TV Book Club Best Read - need we say more?

How can I watch The Rapture?

The BBC hasn't shared an official release date for The Rapture yet, but the series is filming in Wales so we’d expect more news soon. As soon as we have a confirmed date, we'll let you know here.