By Nadia Breen

Copyright belfastlive

A Belfast actor is the the latest face confirmed to be appearing in a new Channel 4 series filmed in Northern Ireland . Trespasses is a ‘forbidden love story’ set against the backdrop of the Troubles , with Gerard McCarthy, who starred in The Fall and Hollyoaks, joining the cast. Other cast members include Lola Petticrew as Cushla, a sparky young woman whose desires and dreams have been frustrated by the grind of daily life, Tom Cullen as Michael, a controversial barrister, and Gillian Anderson as Gina, Cushla’s mother, a ‘glorious wreck’ who is constantly sparring with her daughter. Also starring are Blue Lights actors Martin McCann and Frank Blake, Oisín Thompson, Emily Taaffe, Barry Ward, Lisa Dwyer Hogg, Lorcan Cranitch, Gary Lydon and Lalor Roddy. Posting on social media on Thursday, Gerard McCarthy said: “Thrilled to finally share that I’ll be joining Gillian Anderson, Lola Petticrew, Tom Cullen, Martin McCann and a whole gang of incredible actors in Channel 4’s brand-new drama Trespasses, adapted by Ailbhe Keogan from Louise Kennedy’s acclaimed novel, and directed by Dawn Shadforth. “Set in 1975 during the Troubles, it’s a powerful story about love, fear, and resilience in the most turbulent of times. Coming to Channel 4 very soon ” A description of the show reads: “1975, in a town outside Belfast. Whilst working one night behind the bar of her family pub, serving a mixed crowd including the locally stationed soldiers, Catholic schoolteacher Cushla meets Michael, an older Protestant married man, who often defends IRA suspects and is friends with cultured Bohemians who enrage and intrigue Cushla. “Worlds apart, Cushla knows a relationship like this spells all kinds of trouble, but they are irresistibly drawn to one another. “In a place where loose lips cost lives and danger lurks in the shadows, amidst the fear and paranoia, this illicit affair between Cushla and Michael ignites and burns bright…” Filming for the series wrapped in Belfast last December. The show is coming to Channel 4 to stream and watch live soon. For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.