After Normal People gripped audiences around the world when it aired during the height of lockdown in 2020, people have been eagerly awaiting the release of Sally Rooney's Conversation With Friends.
The 12-part drama follows Frances and Bobbi, two spoken word poets in Dublin who used to date.
The series, which is an unconnected follow-up to Normal People, will drop on BBC Three, Hulu and Ireland’s RTÉ in May.
Read more: Cast of Belfast filmed 'Conversations with Friends' named
The show was partly filmed in Belfast, with the main cast members being spotted throughout the city during the several months in 2021 when filming took place.
Film crews for the drama were spotted at places like Ormeau Road's Canteen Cafe, and Botanic Avenue's No Alibis bookshop.
Here is what we know so far about the Sally Rooney drama:
What is Conversations With Friends about?
The story follows Frances, a 21-year-old student, as she navigates a series of relationships that force her to confront her own vulnerabilities for the first time.
She is observant, cerebral and sharp. Her ex-girlfriend, now best friend, Bobbi is self-assured, outspoken and compelling.
Though they broke up three years ago, Frances and Bobbi are virtually inseparable and at one of their shows that they meet Melissa.
Bobbi and Frances start to spend time with her and her husband, Nick, a handsome but reserved actor.
While Melissa and Bobbi flirt with each other openly, Nick and Frances embark on an intense, secret affair that is surprising to them both.
Soon the affair begins to test the bond between Frances and Bobbi, forcing Frances to reconsider her sense of self, and the friendship she holds so dear.
Who is Sally Rooney?
Sally Rooney is an Irish author and screenwriter from Castlebar in Co Mayo.
Conversations With Friends was her debut novel, published in 2017, and has since published Normal People in 2018 and Beautiful World, Where Are You in 2021.
She garnered international success Normal People became a literary sensation and spawned a 12-part TV show last year which skyrocketed the careers of Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones.
Rooney is regarded as one of the foremost millennial writers.
When is Conversations With Friends set to be released?
Conversations with Friends will premiere on BBC Three in the UK, Hulu in the US, and RTÉ in Ireland.
It is set to be released on May 15, 2022.
Who is the cast of Conversations With Friends?
Alison Oliver – Frances
Alison Oliver is a relative newcomer to the acting world, having recently graduated from The Lir Academy in Dublin. This is the same acting school Normal People’s heartthrob Paul Mescal graduated from too.
The Cork native’s previous acting credits include theatre productions of Summer and Smoke, The Merchant of Venice and Blood Wedding.
Sasha Lane – Bobbi
Playing Frances’ best friend and ex-girlfriend Bobbi is actress Sasha Lane.
The American actress was born in Houston, Texas, and is 25 years old.
Since making her film debut in 2016’s American Honey alongside Shia LaBeouf, she’s went on to star opposite Nick Offerman in Hearts Beat Loud and also played Alice Monaghan in 2019’s Hellboy.
Joe Alwyn – Nick
Joe Alwyn will take on the role of Melissa’s husband, Nick.
The 30-year-old English actor has played leading roles in Operation Finale, The Favourite and Harriet.
He also won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year for Taylor Swift’s 2020 album Folklore – an album that he co-produced.
Jemima Kirke – Melissa
Jemima Kirke will play the role of older journalist, Melissa.
Born in London to English parents, Jemima was raised in New York City. Her dad Simon Kirke is the former drummer of rock bands Bad Company and Free.
She gained international stardom through her role as Jessa Johansson on the acclaimed HBO series Girls.
Watch the Conversations With Friends trailer below...
Conversations With Friends is being produced by Element Pictures and will be directed by Lenny Abramson, with writer Alice Birch (both of whom worked on Normal People).
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