Episode 1

Olivier-winning Denise Gough stars as Paula, a young chemistry teacher whose life is turned upside down after a reckless one-night stand with ducker and diver James. Written by acclaimed playwright Conor McPherson, directed by Alex Holmes and produced by Peter Norris, Paula is a thrilling three-part drama.

Paula is trying to end an affair with handsome but married PE teacher Philip, which hasn't gone unnoticed by the headmaster. If that wasn't enough, she discovers a rat infestation in her basement. Paula asks handyman James to sort out the problem. There is an instant spark of animal attraction between them, leading to a passionate one-night stand.

Everything is not as it seems with James - with too many mouths to feed at home he is desperate for money. The pressure is on him, and since meeting Paula something seems to be haunting James. Having learnt about the affair he tries to blackmail Philip. Things go terrifyingly wrong when he flies into a rage. From this point on, James and Paula are locked in a dance of mutual destruction which only one of them can survive.