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Sheridan Smith stars in thrilling new crime drama The Cage from The Responder writer Tony Schumacher.

The BBC series promises to be a must-watch for fans of the British TV icon, who is joined by a stellar cast in this riveting series filmed and set in Liverpool.

BAFTA-nominated writer Schumacher helmed the series, which was produced by Oscar-winning studio Element Pictures.

Described as a "high stakes, high energy crime story", here's everything we know about the must-watch new drama.

The Cage is filmed and set in Liverpool and revolves around a casino called The Envoy, where two staff members have become inadvertently embroiled in the city's criminal underbelly.

A synopsis reads: "When Leanne (played by Smith) and Matty (Michael Socha) discover they are both robbing from the safe at the inner-city casino they work in, their lives are set on a collision course; with each other, the local gangster they're stealing from, and the police."

Both Leanne and Matty act out of desperation as it's revealed that the former is caring for her grandmother, who has dementia, and is about to lose her housing. Meanwhile, Matty is a gambling addict and alcoholic who is already mixed up with the local drug dealers.

They are both convinced their scheme of quietly robbing small amounts from the casino's profits will keep them afloat; that is, until the casino's owner and dangerous crime lord Gary Packer (Barry Sloane) discovers someone's been cooking the books.

Sheridan Smith and Michael Socha lead the series as Leanne Chapel and Matty Flynn. Fans will recognise TV star Smith from a wide range of projects, including recent hits such as No Return, I Fought the Law, and Castaways. She has also appeared in several beloved sitcoms including The Royle Family, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Gavin & Stacey, and Benidorm.

Socha is perhaps best known for portraying Harvey in Shane Meadows' film This Is England and its subsequent TV series. He's also recognised for roles in Being Human, Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, and the second series of BBC One's legal drama Showtrial.

Joining them is Liverpool star Barry Sloane as gangster Gary Packer. Sloane is known for main roles in military drama Six, crime drama The Bay and his recurring role as Destruction in the second season of Netflix's The Sandman. He's also set to appear in the upcoming third season of HBO's House of the Dragon.

Gary's mother Nancy is portrayed by Geraldine James, who has played Queen Mary in the Downton Abbey film from 2019. She is also known for Anne With an E, Silo, and This Town.

Sophie Mensah plays Detective Sergeant Fen Ning, who is investigating suspected criminal activity in the casino. Mensah has appeared in the Welsh language soap Pobol y Cwm as well as debuting in Hollyoaks last year.

Freya Jones portrays Matty's daughter, Emily. Jones is an emerging talent who has previously appeared in Half Way Down and Bolan's Shoes. Finally, Anton Bibby portrays Thomas, Leanne's son. Bibby has appeared in an episode of the crime drama Liverpool Narcos.

Supporting cast members include:

• Abby Mavers as Kelly
• Shaun Mason as Alan
• Louis Emerick as Paul
• Sue Jenkins as Shelagh
• Ian Puleston-Davies as Vincent
• Julia Papp as Irina
• Katy Carmichael as DCI Hannigan
• Isobel Khan as Paige
• Gemma Barraclough as Jade
• Dave Hart as Danny
• Eileen O'Brien as Nanna
• Eithne Browne as Annie
• Mona Goodwin as Trace
• Abby Maver as Kelly
• Rose McDermott as Ruby

Viewers are in luck as there's no need to wait for new episodes, with all five instalments of the series available from today (Sunday, 26th April). The series was released on BBC iPlayer at 6am this morning ready to be binged.

However, if you prefer to watch along live, the first episode will be broadcast at 9pm on BBC One.

New episodes will then air weekly at the same time until the finale on Sunday, 24th May.

The Cage is available to stream on BBC iPlayer and airs Sundays at 9pm on BBC One.