Are you looking for a new forbidden romance series to add to your watchlist? The BBC has released first-look pictures of Mint, and it looks like the perfect show to get lost in.

Starring Emma Laird (The Brutalist, Mayor of Kingstown) and acting newcomer Ben Coyle-Larner, alongside Shetland star Lewis Gribben, the eight-part series charts the love story of two people who are from rival crime families – think Romeo & Juliet, but in the modern day.

Arran (BENJAMIN COYLE-LARNER)© House/Fearless Minds/BBC
Arran (BENJAMIN COYLE-LARNER)

HELLO!’s Acting TV Editor Nicky Morris has this one on her watchlist. She said: “As a huge fan of both the romance and crime drama genres, I’ve got high hopes for Mint. The series is penned by acclaimed writer and director Charlotte Regan (Scrapper) and comes from Fearless Minds (The Critic) and House Productions, known for producing compelling dramas such as Sherwood and the Oscar-winning film, Conclave.”

If you’re after a rollercoaster romance with “crushing heartbreak”, then Mint is definitely worth tuning into on 20 April. Intrigued? Keep reading to find out all you need to know about the upcoming show, including a peak at those first-look pictures…

What is Mint about?

The story centres around Shannon and Arran. Shannon is the daughter of the area’s dominant crime family, who is desperately searching for romance in the shadow of her father, Dylan. Meanwhile, Arran is a new member of town who belongs to a rival crime family.

The synopsis continues: “Their love story presents an undeniable connection that changes both of their lives for good, but not everyone in their lives sees it the same way.

Shannon (EMMA LAIRD)© House/Fearless Minds/BBC
Shannon (EMMA LAIRD)

“While Shannon and Arran are navigating their forbidden romance, elsewhere, things are imploding for Shannon’s family. Dylan decides to step down as the head of the family for mysterious reasons and Sam, Dylan’s second in command, steps up to take over, though his diverging tactics start to raise alarm.

“In the wake of Dylan’s decision, instead of focusing on the crime world or the politics of succession, we’re swept into the distinct emotional worlds of Shannon’s family – her parents, Dylan and Cat, her older brother Luke and her indomitable grandma, Ollie.”

Who stars in Mint?

Emma Laird (The Brutalist, Mayor of Kingstown) leads the series as Shannon, while acting newcomer Ben Coyle-Larner (better known as musician Loyle Carner) plays Arran.

Ollie (LINDSAY DUNCAN) © House/Fearless Minds/BBC
Ollie (LINDSAY DUNCAN)

They’re joined by Sam Riley (Firebrand, Control), Laura Fraser (Breaking Bad, Patience), Lewis Gribben (Shetland, Black Mirror), Connor Newall (28 Years Later, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple) and Lindsay Duncan (Truelove, Sherwood).

What has the creator said about Mint?

Writer and director Charlotte Regan said: “Mint is a world I’ve been thinking about for such a long time. It’s the project that’s stuck with me endlessly and I could never get it out of my head.

Cat (LAURA FRASER) © House/Fearless Minds/BBC
Cat (LAURA FRASER)

“I’m so excited to be making it with the legends at the BBC. I can’t wait to meet some magical humans and make some magical TV.”

All episodes of Mint are on BBC iPlayer from 6am on Monday 20th April, with the series airing on BBC One from 9pm that night.