Toheeb Jimoh and Dujonna Gift lead BBC's Open Water
The Ted Lasso and Snow White actors will star as Marcus and Effie in Caleb Azumah Nelson’s BBC adaptation of his debut novel.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
The BBC’s screen version of Open Water has its central couple, with Ted Lasso actor Toheeb Jimoh and Snow White performer Dujonna Gift set to lead the drama, Deadline reported.
Jimoh will play Marcus, while Gift will play Effie in the adaptation of Caleb Azumah Nelson’s debut novel, according to the report. The series is being made for BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
In the story details reported by Deadline, Marcus works in retail while trying to build a future as a photographer. Effie is a dance student at university in Dublin. Their first meeting sparks a powerful connection, but Marcus discovers that Effie is already dating his friend Samuel, a line he refuses to cross.
A breakout pair at the center
Jimoh was nominated for an Emmy for playing Sam in Apple TV’s comedy hit Ted Lasso, Deadline noted. Gift played Maple, Snow White’s best friend, in Disney’s 2025 live-action Snow White. Deadline reported that Open Water will be Gift’s first television acting role.
The wider cast includes Rhianna Dorris of Lockwood & Co., Lamar Waves of The Tower, Nadine Marshall of Random, Henrietta Pearl Quartey, Hope Ikpoku Jnr of Top Boy, Sekou Diaby of Animol and Boarders, and Tara Tijani of Death in Paradise.
Also joining the production, according to Deadline, are Enva Lewis of How To Have Sex, Nash Nørgaard of Death of Ivan Ilyich, Stevie Odu of Boiling Point, Renee Bailey of Call the Midwife, Jayden Fowora Knight of The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, Janina Elkin of The Queen’s Gambit, Sherise Blackman of Bridgerton, Matthew Dunster of Coronation Street, Neve McDonnell of G’wed, Javier Bonaparte, Beaux Bryant of Stolen Dreams Redemption and Mo Sesay of The Diplomat.
Caleb Azumah Nelson adapts his own novel
The BBC first announced the project two years ago, Deadline reported. Azumah Nelson is adapting and directing the series himself, and he is also serving as lead writer and executive producer.
In comments reported by Deadline, Azumah Nelson said the move from novel to television had been a rewarding process, praised the collaborators on the production and said the cast and crew had put their hearts into making the love story.
Jimoh, also in comments reported by Deadline, described the series as a dream project and said he connected quickly with Marcus and Azumah Nelson’s story. He also pointed to the drama’s south London details, saying they reflected the area where he grew up.
Open Water is produced by Banijay-backed Mam Tor Productions and B-Side Productions. Deadline reported that Lindsay Salt, the BBC’s director of drama, commissioned the series, while Banijay Rights will handle international distribution.
The executive producers are Azumah Nelson, Tally Garner for Mam Tor Productions, Matimba Kabalika for B-Side Productions and Rebecca Ferguson for the BBC, according to Deadline. Karlvyn Dove is producing, and composer and musician Cassie Kinoshi will create an original score.
This story draws on original reporting from Deadline.