Riot Women is the latest BBC drama from Sally Wainwright, the creator of Happy Valley - and, typically, the cast contains some of the UK's best heavyweight actresses.

As a nation still in mourning for the end of Happy Valley, and Sally's other huge hit Gentleman Jack, it's exciting to know we can remove our black armbands soon.

For Sally Wainwright's brand new drama is coming soon. Here's everything you need to know about Riot Women, including its cast, plot, and episode number.

What is Riot Women on BBC One and BBC iPlayer about?

To be honest, we were already totally invested in this new drama after hearing the title. Riot Women? Yes please!

Add the fact the new drama is from multi-BAFTA winning writer Sally Wainwright - she of Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax, and Gentleman Jack fame - sealed our dedication to watch.

A synopsis from the Beeb tells us: "In Riot Women, we dive headfirst into the world of five women who, along with two riotous backing singers, come together to create a makeshift punk-rock band in order to enter a local talent contest. But, in writing their first original song, they soon discover that they have a lot to say - and this is their way to say it."

As the band juggle demanding jobs, grown-up children, complicated parents, husbands who’ve buggered off, and disastrous dates and relationships, the band becomes a catalyst for change in their lives...

A long-buried secret begins to surface...

As you'd expect from Sally Wainwright, who created Sarah Lancashire's legendary character Catherine Cawood, the series promises to be a testament to the power of friendship, music, and the resilience of women who refuse to be silenced by age or expectation.

As well as kick-ass women, there's also a mystery. A deeply potent, long-buried secret begins to surface - one that unexpectedly entangles bandmates Kitty and Beth in a complex triangle - and threatens to tear everything apart.

Sally Wainwright, creator, writer, and executive producer says: "I think I am more excited about this than anything else I have ever written. Ever. Oh my God. We have five of the most fabulous actresses on the planet playing the Riot Women. It's scarily exciting."

Who's in the cast of Riot Women on BBC One and iPlayer?

The cast of the BBC's Riot Women is bulging with some of the best female actresses in the industry.

Leading the cast and the Riot Women band are The Larkins' Joanna Scanlan, who plays Beth.

Serpent Queen's Rosalie Craig will play Kitty, while Friday Night Dinner's Tamsin Greig stars as Holly, Sherwood's Lorraine Ashbourne is Jess, and The Jetty's Amelia Bullmore as Yvonne.

Meanwhile, heavyweight Anne Reid (The Sixth Commandment) will play Nancy, Holly and Yvonne's mother.

The Royle Family favourite Sue Johnston stars as Jess' Aunt Mary. Outnumbered actress Claire Skinner, and Merlin's Angel Coulby also join the cast.

Former Doctor Who actor Peter Davison is one of few male names revealed at this point. He'll star alongside Sherwood's Oliver Huntingdon, Corrie's Richard Fleeshman, Downton Abbey's Kevin Doyle, and Bodyguard's Nicholas Gleaves.

Line of Duty's Taj Atwal, Holby's Chandeep Uppal, White Lines' Jonny Green, and Yesterday's Ellise Chappell also appear.

Other cast names include: Macy Jacob Seelochan, Tony Hirst, Shannon Lavelle, Amit Shah, Rick Warden, Ben Batt, Natalia Tena, Melanie La Barrie, and Olwen May.

When is the start date for Riot Women?

The story is set in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, and the cast and crew and currently filming in West Yorkshire.

Riot Women is expected to premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK in 2025.

Riot Women music and theme tune on BBC

Riot Women will feature original songs from the band ARXX.

ARXX are Hanni Pidduck on lead vocals and guitar, and Clara Townsend on drums. They are described by Diva Magazine as "a vital addition to the queer music scene".

An interview with them adds: "Their focus on spreading positive mental health messages online, as well as championing women and non-binary artists, has already made them queer icons on the Brighton music scene."

How many episodes is Riot Women?

Riot Women will be six episodes in total. Each episode is expected to be around one hour long.

If you've had your head in the sand for years and need to familiarise yourself with Sally Wainwright's work, Gentleman Jack, Last Tango in Halifax, and Happy Valley are all still currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Sally Wainwright's Riot Women will start on BBC One and iPlayer sometime in 2025.