Despite the title, California Avenue takes place deep in the ‘70s English countryside, at a caravan park beside a canal. The peace is somewhat shattered by the arrival of Lela (Erin Doherty, Adolescence) who is on the run with her 11-year-old child in tow. Here, she meets showman outcast Cooper (Tom Burke, Strike) and begins to reconnect with her parents Jerry and Eddie (Nighy and Bonham Carter) as the family reunites in a story full of compassion and humour.

The drama comes from One Day and Doctor Foster creators Drama Republic, and writer director Hugo Blick. This is the latest in a series of collaborations between Blick, Eight Rooks and Drama Republic for the BBC, following Black Earth Rising, The English, and The Honourable Woman.

Blick says: “Over the past few decades, whether through comedy, political dramas or even a western, I’ve looked to explore what television fiction can be. California Avenue is an exploration of the people who inspired me to want to do this.”

Drama Republic’s Greg Brenman adds: “In California Avenue, Hugo has conjured a world of precious relationships and unexpected revelations, all delivered with a big, big heart and generous humour. If you ever needed reminding of Hugo’s incredible range as a storyteller, look no further.”

Filming for California Avenue will begin the summer of 2025, premiering on BBC One and iPlayer with no release date set.