C4's new comedy-drama from award-winner Desiree Akhavan

Maxine Peake and Phantom Thread star Brian Gleeson have joined the cast of  Channel 4’s new comedy-drama The Bisexual.

The six-part show comes from Iranian-American filmmaker Desiree Akhavan, whose movie The Miseducation Of Cameron Post  won the Grand Jury prize at the Sundance film festival last month.

She co-wrote and takes the lead role of Leila in the show, which explores the differences between dating men and women from the perspective of someone who does both.

Peake said: ‘I’m thrilled? Or am I excited? Maybe I’m both but at the least very happy to be part of The Bisexual. Desiree is a really fresh, original and exciting voice and dead cool to boot. It’s fun, heart-breaking and thought-provoking and I get to ride a scooter, what’s not to like?’

In the series, New Yorker Leila is feeling lost in London having just left a ten-year relationship with girlfriend and business partner Sadie (Peake). Moving out of their beautiful, shared apartment, Leila ends up renting a room from neurotic novelist Gabe (Gleeson), a man living in constant fear of missing out and dwarfed by the success of his debut novel which came out 13 years ago.

Leila finds an unlikely wingman in the form of Gabe. He helps her navigate a new life dating men and women – and Leila, in return, introduces wide-eyed Gabe to the queer scene whilst doing her best to help him decipher his unreadable, sort-of-girlfriend Francisca (Guillot).  

The Bisexual is being made with US on-demand service Hulu by Hootenanny and the creative team behind Flowers.  Akhavan said: This team couldn't be more intelligent, generous and talented.’

The cast also includes Eva Birthistle, John Dagliesh,  Naomi Acki, Niamh Algar and newcomers Saskia Chana and Michelle Guillot. 

Published: 23 Feb 2018