Nollywood actress and filmmaker Genevieve Nnaji is set to make a highly anticipated return to the screen in Wahala, a new drama series produced by BBC Studios.
The six-part thriller, adapted from Wahala by BAFTA-nominated writer Theresa Ikoko, will stream on BBC iPlayer and air on BBC One.
BBC announced the casting on Tuesday, unveiling a star-studded female-led cast that includes Adelayo Adedayo, Deborah Ayorinde, Cush Jumbo, and Susan Wokoma alongside Nnaji.
Based on Nikki May’s bestselling debut novel, the series follows four Nigerian-British women navigating friendship, careers, love, and family life in present-day London while confronting long-buried secrets from their past.
The story centres on Simi, Boo, and Ronke — played by Adedayo, Jumbo, and Wokoma respectively — whose close bond begins to unravel with the arrival of Isobel, portrayed by Ayorinde.
According to the producers, the drama explores themes of betrayal, hidden truths, loyalty, and the far-reaching consequences of unresolved pasts.
Expressing her excitement about the project, Nnaji said she was thrilled to join the production.
“I’m very happy to be joining Wahala and to be working with such a brilliant team. It’s an intriguing story, and I excited to be a part of it,” she said.
The series marks one of Nnaji’s most notable acting returns in recent years following Lionheart, her acclaimed directorial debut, which premiered internationally in 2018 before arriving on Netflix in January 2019.
Widely regarded as one of Nollywood’s most influential and celebrated actresses, Nnaji has largely stayed away from the public spotlight in recent years, heightening anticipation among fans over her latest role.
Wahala — a Nigerian Pidgin word meaning “trouble” — is being produced by Firebird Pictures, a production company under BBC Studios.
