Genevieve Nnaji returns to the screen in BBC Studios thriller “Wahala”

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Genevieve Nnaji will 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, is set to stream on BBC iPlayer and broadcast on BBC One.

BBC announced the cast on Tuesday, highlighting a female‑led ensemble that includes Adelayo Adedayo, Deborah Ayorinde, Cush Jumbo and Susan Wokoma alongside Nnaji.

Based on Nikki May’s debut novel, the series follows four Nigerian‑British women as they navigate friendship, careers, love and family in contemporary London while confronting dark secrets from their past.

The narrative centers on Simi, Boo and Ronke—portrayed by Adedayo, Jumbo and Wokoma—whose close‑knit friendship is unsettled by the arrival of Isobel, played by Ayorinde.

According to the producers, the drama examines betrayal, buried truths and the repercussions of long‑hidden secrets.

Commenting on the project, Nnaji said she was delighted 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’m excited to be a part of it,” she said.

The series marks one of Nnaji’s significant acting returns in recent years, following the release of Lionheart, her directorial debut that premiered internationally in 2018 and later streamed on Netflix in January 2019.

Regarded as one of Nollywood’s most influential actresses, Nnaji has kept a relatively low public profile lately, heightening anticipation among fans for her latest role.

Wahala, which means “trouble” in Nigerian Pidgin, is being produced by Firebird Pictures, a subsidiary of BBC Studios.