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BBC releases first images from Glasgow-set legal drama Counsels, due in 2027

The BBC has released first-look images of Counsels, a drama about twentysomething lawyers in Glasgow, and confirmed it will air on BBC One, iPlayer and BBC Scotland in 2027.

2 outlets · 0L · 2C · 0R First reported Account updated
Image: Digital Spy
Image: Radio Times

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The story, neutrally told

Centre · 2The BBC has released first-look images of Counsels, a new legal drama set in Glasgow. Centre · 2It will air on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Scotland in 2027; Radio Times specifies early 2027. Centre · 2The series follows "the lives of a group of twentysomething lawyers in Glasgow in the crucial moment when a few years out of university their careers finally become serious". Its synopsis describes them as public prosecutors, commercial lawyers or a "last resort" for those with nothing left to lose, each "out to win".

Centre · 2The synopsis adds that the characters are colleagues jostling for promotion, lovers and professional and personal adversaries, and that "now's the time things are going to catch fire". Both outlets call the drama "high-stakes". Centre · 2The young lawyers are played by Brandon Grace as Jamie, Ro Kumar as Bav, Eilidh Park as Nadine, George Prentice as Alasdair, Alyth Ross as Katie and Rebecca Bell as Karina. Centre · 2Michelle Gomez, Derek Riddell, Laura Haddock and Michael Nardone also appear in the images. Daniela Nardini, Sally Howitt, Stuart Bowman, Neshla Caplan and Stephen Purdon are confirmed in the cast. Radio Times says the last five have not yet been seen in the images, while Digital Spy lists Stephen Purdon and Sally Howitt among the stars. Radio Times also lists Mhairi Black, the former SNP MP, among those pictured.

Centre · 2Counsels is made by Gillian McCormack and Bryan Elsley, and Radio Times describes it as an eight-part series. Elsley said he was "delighted to be leading with Gillian McCormack" and hoped to "bring the city vividly to life", with the show "set entirely in Glasgow". Centre · 2The two outlets differ on small details. Digital Spy credits Brandon Grace with "My Lady Grace" where Radio Times says "My Lady Jane", and lists Laura Haddock's credit as The Recruit where Radio Times says Ted Lasso. Radio Times also ends with a line saying Counsels will air on BBC One and iPlayer, without BBC Scotland.

Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on. The pill in front of each says where its sources sit: Left, Centre or Right when one side supplies at least half of them, Mixed when they are evenly split. The number is how many outlets it cites.

Left0 outlets

No left outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.

Centre2 outlets

Framing
Both outlets run a casting and first-look announcement, leading with the "high-stakes" label and the recognisable cast from Happy Valley and Doctor Who.
Emphasis
Cast lists with previous credits, the official synopsis and the 2027 broadcast window.
Leaves out or plays down
Digital Spy does not mention the eight-part length or Mhairi Black's appearance; neither says who is making the series beyond the creators.
Charged language
“high-stakes”“catch fire”
For example
“Described as "high-stakes", the story follows a group of lawyers in their 20s” — Digital Spy
“Doctor Who and Happy Valley stars confirmed for new "high-stakes" BBC legal drama as first look unveiled” — Radio Times

Right0 outlets

No right outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.