Jessica Raine and Damien Molony Lead BBC Drama Filmed in Malta and Gozo
What follows is a report published by TravelInspiration.uk.co on a BBC production filmed in Malta and Gozo, which are standing in for Greece. The cast includes Jessica Raine, Damien Molony, Nicholas Pinnock, Antonia Thomas, Leila Farzad, and Hugh Skinner. The title of the is Two Weeks in August and the story follows a group of friends whose seemingly idyllic holiday descends into a dramatic and chaotic nightmare after an illicit kiss. Created by Catherine Shepherd, the production stars Jessica Raine, Damien Molony, and Antonia Thomas, and explores themes of friendship, relationships, and the desire to escape the anxieties of modern life. Below is the full report on this production.
A brand-new BBC drama is set to shine a spotlight on one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful yet under-the-radar destinations. Two Weeks in August, an eight-part series coming soon to BBC One and BBC iPlayer, combines gripping storytelling with stunning island scenery — bringing the landscapes of Gozo and Malta to screens across the UK.
Made by the multi-award-winning production company Various Artists Limited (I May Destroy You, Such Brave Girls), the witty and painfully relatable drama follows a group of friends who reunite for what is supposed to be a relaxing summer holiday. Instead, their trip quickly becomes something far more complicated.
Mediterranean Sunshine and Secrets
Written and created by Catherine Shepherd (Sally4Ever, The Shrink Next Door), Two Weeks in August explores friendship, desire and the complicated realities of adulthood.
The series follows Zoe, played by Jessica Raine (The Devil’s Hour, Patrick Melrose), who travels to a Greek island with family and friends in search of joy and a fresh perspective on life. But what begins as a dream getaway soon spirals into chaos.
An illicit kiss sets off a chain reaction that transforms the holiday into a tense emotional reckoning. As Zoe begins acting on her deepest desires, long-buried tensions surface within the group. The paradise setting soon becomes the stage for conflict, betrayal and difficult truths.
Things take an even darker turn when the group discovers they are trapped on the island, facing life-or-death situations. As pressure mounts, friendships fracture and suspicions grow.
Is Zoe responsible for the turmoil surrounding them, or are there deeper forces at play? After all, the drama unfolds in Greece — the ancient land of gods, myth and fate.
A Star-Studded Cast
The series brings together an impressive ensemble of British and international talent.
Alongside Jessica Raine, the cast includes:
- Damien Molony (Bergerac, Brassic)
- Antonia Thomas (The Good Doctor, Still Up)
- Nicholas Pinnock (For Life, The Book of Clarence)
- Leila Farzad (Kaos, I Hate Suzie)
- Hugh Skinner (Fleabag, Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!)
They are joined by Dolly Wells, Tom Goodman-Hill, Dylan Brady, Maria Almeida, Khalil Gharbia, Florence Banks, Sonny Poon Tip and Cassius Hackforth.
First-look images from the show capture moments of calm before the storm: Zoe strolling through sunlit landscapes with Molony’s character, Jess relaxing by a pool, and Solomon — played by Pinnock — cooling off with a swim. Elsewhere, Nat and Jacob, portrayed by Farzad and Skinner, take in sweeping views from their villa before the group heads out to a party they will never forget — for better or worse.
Gozo and Malta Step into the Spotlight
Although the series is set in Greece, Two Weeks in August was actually filmed in Malta and Gozo, two islands long favoured by filmmakers for their dramatic scenery and reliable sunshine.
Production took place last year with the support of local Maltese production company Pellikola, whose involvement helped bring the project to life.
Gozo, the smaller and quieter sister island of Malta, provides a particularly striking backdrop. Known for its rugged cliffs, turquoise waters and historic villages, the island’s natural beauty helps create the show’s idyllic yet mysterious atmosphere.
The series could give the destination a significant tourism boost, placing Gozo firmly on the map for viewers looking for Mediterranean travel inspiration.
Behind the Camera
The series is led by Tom George (This Country, Sherwood), who directed the first four episodes. The remaining episodes are directed by Matthew Moore (The Great, Colin from Accounts).
Together, the creative team aims to blend humour, suspense and emotional drama in a story that explores the messy realities of friendship and adulthood.
A Holiday That Turns Into a Nightmare
At its heart, Two Weeks in August asks a simple but powerful question: what really happens when a group of friends escape their everyday lives and spend too long together?
With breathtaking Mediterranean scenery, a compelling ensemble cast and a story packed with twists, the upcoming BBC drama promises to deliver both escapism and edge-of-your-seat tension.
And thanks to its stunning filming locations, viewers might just find themselves adding Gozo and Malta to their travel wish lists after the credits roll.
