“Striking” and “compelling” new Belfast-set drama announces exciting cast including Blue Lights star

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A new drama series, Close to Home, is coming to Channel 4 with a cast that includes an actor from Blue Lights. The show is based on the critically acclaimed novel of the same name by Michael Magee.

This compelling story explores themes of love, healing, and belonging in a city still recovering from conflict. It follows Sean, who returns to Belfast after university and quickly slips back into his familiar, somewhat reckless, routine – late nights, borrowing money, and unstable employment.

He moves back in with his brother and mother, confronting unspoken family issues in a place still struggling with the aftermath of war. Each street holds a hidden story of hardship and unfulfilled hopes.

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Okay, so the story kicks off when Sean gets into a fight with someone at a party – it’s a total turning point and things just spiral out of control from there, apparently!

The cast includes Seamus O’Hara, known for his roles in Blue Lights and House of Guinness, who will play Anthony. Anthony Boyle, also from House of Guinness, will star as Sean. Jessica Reynolds, from A Woman of Substance, will play Mairéad, and Oisín Thompson, known for Trespasses, will play Ryan.

Directed by Diarmuid Goggins, who also directed Code of Silence, and written by Magee, Close to Home was a passion project for its creator. Magee described developing the show for television as “an intensely fulfilling creative experience, a dream come true.”

I was so impressed by what the show’s executive producer, Michael Dawson, had to say about Declan Magee’s work. He described Magee’s take on Belfast as really captivating, full of life, a bit wild, and with a lot of heart and humor – and honestly, that’s exactly what I felt while watching it!

He believes Diarmuid Goggins is the ideal director for this project, because Goggins expertly combines striking, energetic imagery with a realistic and authentic style – precisely what the story needs.

We’re thrilled to be creating a bold, energetic, and authentic TV show, in collaboration with the talented Anthony Boyle and our fantastic partners at Channel 4, Fremantle, NI Screen, and Screen Ireland. It will truly capture the spirit of the city.

Close to Home will air on Channel 4.

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2026-02-13 13:19