Created by Lydia Yeoman and George Oakes, based on an original idea by Oakes, the series is directed by Philip Martin. The writing team also includes Ben Schiffer. Set between London and the Moon, First Woman follows Ben Reith (Walters), whose life is turned upside down when his wife Claire (Riseborough), an astronaut stationed at the UK’s first moonbase, mysteriously disappears during the long lunar night. As the first woman to set foot on the Moon and a biologist involved in a pioneering research mission, Claire’s disappearance sparks international scrutiny, suspicion among fellow astronauts, and tensions with a rival Chinese base. With vast distances separating them, Ben embarks on a desperate search for answers.
Commented Andrea Riseborough: “As a kid, I dreamed, perhaps more than anything, of space. Of emptiness and stars, and the vastness of all that those ‘grounded’ reflected on in verse. I can’t imagine a kinder, bolder, braver team than Philip and Ashley with whom to step into that realm. This will be endlessly compelling - I hope - for all who want to journey with us. I cannot wait.”
Commented Ashley Walters: “What an honour to be a part of such a bold and propulsive drama with a team of people that I have dreamt of working with. I always want to be a part of projects that make us converse and think outside the box. This one does just that.”
The series is produced by Julia Stannard, with executive producers including Mammoth Screen founder Damien Timmer, James Gandhi, Philip Martin, George Oakes and Lydia Yeoman. Development has been overseen by Mammoth Screen’s Creative Director Rebecca Keane. For Alcon Television Group, executive producers include Broderick Johnson, Andrew Kosove, Scott Parish, Diego Piasek and Ben Roberts. ITV’s Director of Drama Polly Hill oversees the production for the broadcaster.
Commented Polly Hill: “I wanted ITV to make this the moment I read it. The team that has come on board on and off screen is incredible, and a testament to the wonderful and original scripts. Ashley Walters and Andrea Riseborough are such exciting casting, and Philip Martin is going to take the audience on such an incredible journey, that I am thrilled to share with the audience.”
Filming is currently underway in Belfast, supported by Northern Ireland Screen. Production is utilising Studio Ulster, where the lunar environment and moonbase have been created using advanced virtual production technology.
Commented James Gandhi and Damien Timmer: “We’re excited to partner with Alcon on what is going to be one of the most ambitious ITV dramas ever made. First Woman will keep global audiences on the edge of their seats - it’s the ultimate emotional rollercoaster.”
Commented Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson on behalf of Alcon Television Group: “First Woman is a gripping, character-driven thriller set against the backdrop of the modern space race, and we’re excited to partner with Mammoth Screen and ITV to bring this compelling story to audiences around the world.”
The deal represents Alcon Television Group’s first co-financed co-production of this scale, underlining its strategy to expand in premium international television. Commented Philip Martin: “I was blown away reading Lydia and George’s brilliant scripts! It’s a rare thrill to find something so fresh, ambitious and emotional - and to have the chance to explore new worlds and tell such a powerful and deeply moving human drama in such an epic landscape!”
Blending high-stakes suspense with an emotional core, the series unfolds across Mission Control in the UK and the lunar surface, as pressure mounts on the remaining astronauts and Ben races against time to uncover the truth—raising the question of how well two people can truly know each other. Commented Lydia Yeoman: “Set in the exciting (and as-yet-unexplored) world of private space travel, First Woman is a thriller unlike anything else we’ve seen. This is the story of a marriage put through the ultimate test. It’s rare that you get given the opportunity to tell a story with such ambition and scope, and we’re eternally grateful to Polly at ITV and Alcon for allowing us to do that.”
First Woman will be distributed internationally by ITV Studios and is backed by funding from Northern Ireland Screen. Visual effects are being delivered by UNIT VFX, while POLI Productions, led by Rob Carlisle, is collaborating with Philip Martin and production designer Gillian Devenney to craft the series’ lunar landscapes.
