Crookhaven (2026)

Crookhaven is a British television drama series based on J. J. Arcanjo's book series of the same name. Set in a secret school for aspiring crooks, the show follows the adventures of young pickpocket Gabriel Avery. The series premiered on 22 March 2026 on BBC One, CBBC and BBC iPlayer. In July 2026, the BBC commissioned a second series.

Synopsis

Gabriel Avery, a young pickpocket, is recruited to study at the Crookhaven School, which aims to train their students in crooked skills but guide them to use their skills for good. He finds himself among eight new recruits at the school, one of whom is his arch-rival Penelope, the daughter of the headmaster, Caspian Lockett. The new recruits compete to be the best of the year and win the coveted Crooked Cup. However, nothing is as it appears in the school, and along the way Gabriel discovers something surprising about himself and has to confront a dangerous enemy called The Nameless, who poses a threat to the school.

Cast and characters

Main

Lucas Leach as Gabriel Avery

Carmel Laniado as Penelope Lockett

Dougray Scott as Caspian Lockett

Amari Bacchus as Ade Okoro

Sani Thabo as Ede Okoro

Aerona Shi as Jia Ou

Leila Khan as Amira Dhawan

Charlie Mann as Edgar Delacombe

Supporting

Rowan McIntosh as Dorian McArthur

Tipper Seifert-Cleveland as Nicki

Anna-Sophia Eden as Isabella

Alex Mugnaioni as Diego Velasquez

Keith Allen as Erasmus Sisman

Keith Singleton as Mickey

Julie Hesmondhalgh as Grandma Sue

Claire Forlani as Carmen

Ti Barbosa as Leon

Genesis Lynea as Whisper

Imran Yusuf as Mister Khan

Miltos Yerolemou as Mister Palumbo

Naomi Wirthner as Matilda Jericho

Celinde Schoenmaker as Miss Friedrich

Emily Maitlis (voice) as Miss Clarke

Tobias Jowett as Ishaan

Arthur Darvill as The Leopard

Edwin Flay as Mr. Mercier

Production

Crookhaven was commissioned by Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning 7+, BBC Children's and Education, and created by Justin Young who adapted for television the book series of the same name by J. J. Arcanjo. Crookhaven was produced by BBC Studios Kids & Family for the BBC with support from Northern Ireland Screen.

The series was filmed mostly around County Down and Belfast in Northern Ireland, with additional scenes shot in London. The Clandeboye Estate in County Down served as the Crookhaven School, with the Helen's Tower in its ground the scene of challenges. Filming started in May and continued into the summer of 2025.

The BBC commissioned a second series in July 2026.

Episodes

Broadcast

The first series premiered on 22 March 2026.

References

External links

Crookhaven on BBC One

Crookhaven at IMDb