Channel 4 is to make a four-part psychological thriller about a teenage boy trying to suppress psychopathic desires whilst falling in love for the first time.


Described as “a haunting exploration of the mind” Born to Kill also follows the teenager’s family and community who are unaware of what he is capable of.

The drama is the first commission for duo Tracey Malone (Silent Witness) and first-time TV writer Kate Ashfield, who is best known for playing Simon Pegg’s love interest Liz in Shaun of the Dead and for starring opposite David Tennant in the ITV thriller Secret Smile (main pic).

The new drama was announced today at Channel 4’s Upfronts 2016 event for the advertising industry.

C4’s head of drama Piers Wenger said: “Tracey and Kate reel you in to their gripping world and never let you go – this is edge of your seat drama. They have created two remarkably complex young characters that you hope will find love, but fear that their journey may take a darker turn. We are incredibly excited to have two such gifted writers leading this extraordinary piece of work.”


Born to Kill has not yet been cast. Filming starts next year.