BBC First and BINGE is set to launch ‘Fifteen-Love,’ a provocative new series set amidst the world of elite tennis.
Penned by Hania Elkington, ‘Fifteen-Love’ casts a critical eye on the complex relationship between tennis prodigy Justine Pearce, portrayed by emerging talent Ella Lily Hyland, and her unconventional coach Glenn Lapthorn, played by Aidan Turner of ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘Poldark’ fame.
Fifteen-Love is created by the makers of acclaimed dramas ‘Line of Duty’ and ‘Vigil.’
The series ambitiously delves into the often overlooked aspects of sport, shedding light on the darker side of relationships and power dynamics.
The narrative pivots around the character of Justine Pearce, who was once a rising star in the Grand Slam tennis world. Guided by her coach Lapthorn, Pearce’s career peaked when she reached the semi-finals of the French Open. However, her dreams of tennis stardom were abruptly extinguished by a career-ending injury. Now, five years later, Pearce re-emerges with a shocking allegation against her former coach.
As the series unfolds, the duo find themselves embroiled in a fierce struggle for truth, set against the backdrop of a prestigious grass court event. This tension-filled storyline promises to challenge viewers’ preconceptions about their past successes. ‘Fifteen-Love’ examines the relentless pressures associated with professional sport, offering a nuanced exploration of trust, power, and obsession, and the potential cost of unyielding ambition.
Series creator Elkington highlights the importance of the project:
“The voice of women in sport has never been heard as loudly and clearly as over the last two years… I hope that ‘Fifteen-Love’ has the same effect on its audience, and can become another valuable part of this urgent, emerging story.”
The series also stars Anna Chancellor (‘The Crown’), Jess Darrow (‘Encanto’), Tom Varey (‘Ridley Road’), Lorenzo Richelmy (‘Marco Polo’), Manon Azem (‘Your Honour’), and Chuku Modu (‘The Good Doctor’).
