ITV Orders Lunar Thriller 'First Woman' Starring Andrea Riseborough and Ashley Walters
ITV has commissioned a gripping six-part lunar thriller titled First Woman, starring BAFTA-nominated actress Andrea Riseborough and Ashley Walters, with filming already under way in Belfast using the state-of-the-art Studio Ulster facility.
The announcement, made at ITV's annual Showcase event on 23 April 2026, has generated significant excitement in the British television industry, with the production marking a major investment in UK drama and Northern Ireland's growing screen sector.
Background
ITV has been investing heavily in high-concept drama to compete with streaming platforms. First Woman represents one of the broadcaster's most ambitious commissions to date, combining a space-age setting with a domestic thriller narrative. The series is co-produced with German broadcaster ZDF, reflecting the growing trend for European co-productions in premium television.
Key Developments
The series tells the story of an astronaut — played by Andrea Riseborough — who disappears from the UK's first moonbase, leaving her husband (Ashley Walters) to uncover the truth about what happened. The production is utilising Studio Ulster's cutting-edge virtual production technology to create its lunar landscapes, positioning Belfast as a world-class destination for high-end television production.
The announcement was made at ITV's Showcase event at The Design Museum in London, attended by a host of British celebrities including Ant McPartlin, Declan Donnelly, Olivia Attwood, Michelle Keegan, and Graham Norton. ITV also announced a second new drama commission, The Only Suspect, written by Simon Ashdown, known for his work on popular soaps.
Northern Ireland Screen confirmed the commission, highlighting the production's use of Studio Ulster and its contribution to the local screen industry. The series is expected to create significant employment for cast and crew in Northern Ireland.
Why It Matters
The commission is a major vote of confidence in Northern Ireland's screen industry and in British drama more broadly. Studio Ulster has positioned Belfast as a rival to established production hubs, and high-profile commissions like First Woman help to attract further investment and talent to the region.
What's Next
Filming is currently under way in County Down and at Studio Ulster. A transmission date has not yet been announced, but the series is expected to air on ITV1 and ITVX. More at Northern Ireland Screen.
