The Cage - trailer released for new drama series starring Sheridan Smith and Michael Socha

The BBC has unveiled the trailer for high-stakes crime-drama The Cage (5x60’), written and created by BAFTA award-nominated Tony Schumacher (The Responder) and produced by award-winning Element Pictures (Poor Things, Normal People). All episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer on Sunday 26 April 2026 and will air weekly at 9pm on BBC One.

Leanne (BAFTA-winner Sheridan Smith) is the charismatic cashier at an inner-city casino who finds herself threatened with losing the family home and starts skimming cash from the casino safe to secure her family’s future. When Leanne discovers her boss Matty (Michael Socha) is doing the same thing, their lives are set on a collision course; with each other, the local gangster they’re stealing from, and the police. As Leanne’s loyalties are pulled in different directions, Matty battles with his inner demons meaning the pair will have to play every hand perfectly...

Also starring Barry Sloane (House of the Dragon) as Gary Packer, Geraldine James (Dope Girls) as Nancy Packer, Anton Bibby (Liverpool Narcos) as Thomas Chapel, Freya Jones (Bolan’s Shoes) as Emily Flynn, Sophie Mensah (Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale) as Fen, Shaun Mason (Extraordinary) as Alan, Louis Emerick (The Power of Parker) as Paul, Sue Jenkins (Brookside) as Shelagh Flynn, Eileen O’Brien (Not Going Out) as ‘Nanna’ and Mona Goodwin (Extraordinary) as Trace.

The five-part thrilling characterful drama is directed by Al Mackay (Kidnapped, Without Sin) and shot in and around Liverpool and Merseyside. The Cage is an Element Pictures (a Fremantle company) production and was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama. Hilary Martin serves as executive producer for Fremantle with Christopher Aird, Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe for Element Pictures, alongside Tony Schumacher and Sheridan Smith. Lucy Richer serves as executive producer for the BBC and Clare Shepherd is the producer. Global sales are handled by Fremantle.

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