ZDF snags BBC’s Shy & Lola drama with Bel Powley & Hayley Squires

German broadcaster ZDF has added BBC Studios’ forthcoming drama *Shy & Lola* to its slate, marking a new collaboration that features Bel Powley and Hayley Squires in leading roles.

The series, produced by Clerkenwell Films and writer‑director Amanda Coe, follows two women drawn together by a murder in a northern coastal town. ZDFneo will air the program in association with the production team, bringing the UK‑produced drama to German audiences.

## Series Synopsis and Casting

*Shy & Lola* centers on Shy, portrayed by Hayley Squires, a cleaner working near the coast while longing to start anew in Portugal. Lola, played by Bel Powley, is an ex‑model who turns to grifting after arriving in town with trouble behind her.

The two characters begin as exploited novices but gradually discover they possess an uncanny knack for crime.

Both protagonists are forced into an uneasy alliance when a local murder entangles them with the town’s criminal underworld. As the investigation deepens, Shy and Lola must rely on each other’s resourcefulness to survive.

Their partnership highlights contrasting backgrounds while underscoring a shared resilience, turning a bleak coastal landscape into a backdrop for grit, wit, and unexpected camaraderie.

## Production and Partnerships

ZDFneo’s involvement comes through an association with the series, which is produced by Clerkenwell Films and writer‑director Amanda Coe. Coe has previously collaborated with the BBC on projects such as *Honey*, the origin story for *Killing Eve*.

The partnership between BBC Studios and ZDF has already delivered shows like *A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder* and the forthcoming *The Reluctant Vampire*.

BBC Studios maintains a long‑term relationship with ZDF that extends beyond *Shy & Lola*. Under this arrangement, the drama will be sold alongside Channel 4’s Break Clause, another project co‑produced with ZDF.

This cooperation signals a continued commitment to cross‑border co‑production within the UK and German markets, leveraging each broadcaster’s strengths in content creation and distribution.

### A Legacy of UK‑German Co‑Productions

The collaboration is part of a broader trend that has seen ZDF and BBC Studios join forces on high‑profile projects for years. Since the early 2010s, joint ventures have included *The Last Kingdom* (shared in some territories), *The Night Manager*, and the hit crime‑drama *Derrick*.

These partnerships allow UK producers to access German financing and tax incentives while giving ZDF access to fresh, internationally oriented storytelling that resonates with its younger audiences.

### Production Details

Filming takes place across several picturesque locations in North Yorkshire, with the coastal village scenes shot in Whitby and the surrounding moorlands.

The production budget—reported to be around £12 million—includes significant contributions from the German broadcaster, which also provides post‑production support and marketing resources.

Clerkenwell Films, known for its character‑driven storytelling on projects such as *The Last Kingdom* and *The Night Manager*, brings a seasoned crew that has navigated the challenges of high‑budget, location‑heavy shoots.

## Fan Reaction and Community Buzz

Early snippets from rehearsal footage have already sparked excitement among fans of both lead actresses. Hayley Squires, best known for her work in *The Witcher* and *The Last Kingdom*, has a dedicated following that appreciates her ability to blend vulnerability with fierce determination.

Fans on social media have been quick to praise Squires’ “intense yet grounded” portrayal of Shy, noting how the character’s quiet ambition contrasts beautifully with Powley’s charismatic Lola.

Bel Powley, who rose to prominence in *The Diary of a Teenage Girl* and *Good Night, and Good Luck*, has long cultivated a reputation for selecting projects that balance depth and accessibility. Viewers have expressed enthusiasm for her role, calling it a “perfect fit” for Powley’s “playful yet layered” acting style.

Across both German and English‑speaking fan forums, threads discussing the dynamic between the two actresses have already racked up thousands of comments, highlighting expectations for a tense yet uplifting narrative.

## Promotion and Release

*Shy & Lola* is slated to be one of BBC Studios’ key titles at the upcoming MIPCOM trade show next month. The series was first announced to industry insiders several months ago by BBC drama boss Lindsay Salt, who praised Coe’s scripts as capable of both surprising and amusing viewers.

The MIPCOM showcase will provide international buyers with a preview of the series’ tone and cast.

While specific broadcast dates have not yet been confirmed, the partnership suggests a planned rollout on ZDFneo following its completion at MIPCOM. Fans of Squires and Powley can anticipate the drama’s arrival as part of the broader collaboration between the two broadcasters.

## Industry Impact

The addition of *Shy & Lola* to ZDF’s lineup underscores the growing trend of UK‑German co‑productions in premium drama. By sharing production costs, creative responsibilities, and distribution rights, both parties can mitigate financial risk while maximizing audience reach.

For BBC Studios, the deal expands its catalogue into a key European market that values high‑quality storytelling and is increasingly willing to invest in original content. For ZDFneo, the partnership offers fresh narratives that blend local sensibilities with global appeal—an essential formula in a streaming‑dominated landscape.

the collaboration demonstrates how cross‑border projects can enrich cultural exchange. The series’ setting—a sleepy coastal town beset by hidden crime—provides a universal backdrop while allowing German audiences to see familiar themes of resilience and partnership translated through a British lens.

This blending of perspectives not only diversifies the content on both platforms but also encourages viewers to appreciate storytelling that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries.

As the industry watches its premiere at MIPCOM, expectations remain high for this new crime‑drama collaboration.

With seasoned actors, a proven production team, and a strategic partnership with BBC Studios, *Shy & Lola* is poised to attract viewers across both markets, adding another successful chapter to the storied history of UK‑German co‑productions.