Marian Keyes’ novels have long been celebrated for their honest and often humorous portrayal of modern Irish womanhood, and now, that world is coming to life on screen. The six-part drama, The Walsh Sisters, inspired by five of Keyes’ beloved books, is set to premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this Saturday, .
The series follows the lives of five sisters – Anna, Rachel, Maggie, Claire, and Helen – as they navigate the complexities of their 20s and 30s in Dublin. Keyes, 62, expressed her profound pride in seeing her work adapted for television, admitting she had “completely buried any hope” of it happening after decades of previous attempts. “Then work began on this in 2018 and, as time went on, that hope was sidelined again,” she told the Press Association. “I still can’t describe the pride, excitement and thrill of it all.”
The adaptation, spearheaded by screenwriter Stefanie Preissner (known for her work on the comedy-drama Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope), aims to capture the “warmth, the humour, as well as the depth” of the original novels. Preissner penned four of the six episodes, with Kefi Chadwick (Rivals, Death In Paradise) contributing the remaining two. Keyes believes the series successfully translates the essence of her books to a different medium, describing it as a “beautiful ball” that retains the feel of the source material.
The cast features Louisa Harland as Anna, Caroline Menton as Rachel, Stefanie Preissner herself as Maggie, Danielle Galligan as Claire, and Máiréad Tyers as Helen. The series doesn’t shy away from difficult themes, with Rachel’s struggle with addiction forming a central storyline. Menton, who portrays Rachel, acknowledged the responsibility that came with embodying such a complex character. “It’s such a privilege to be involved in any capacity, especially in Marian Keyes’ world, because her characters are so beloved,” she said. “That comes with a huge responsibility. It was definitely intimidating; I remember thinking: ‘Oh my God, these are huge shoes to fill.’ I really wanted to meet the expectations people would have of anyone playing Rachel.”
Beyond the individual struggles, The Walsh Sisters explores the enduring bonds of family and the unique dynamics of sisterhood. Galligan, who plays Claire, a divorcee, highlighted Keyes’ cultural significance in Ireland, comparing her to iconic figures like Sinead O’Connor. “I hadn’t read any of Marian’s work before, but I was very aware of her as part of Irish female identity,” Galligan explained. “She just feels culturally significant.” She added that her mother, a devoted Keyes reader, described the author as “our Edna O’Brien,” referencing the celebrated Irish novelist who paved the way for a more honest and nuanced portrayal of women’s lives.
Galligan emphasized the series’ success in portraying the complexities of sibling relationships, noting how it captures the balance between individual identity and shared history. “It’s amazing how well Marian, and Stefanie as well in her adaptation, handle the sisters, making them feel part of a cohesive whole, yet still completely individual,” she said. “That feels very true to sisters and families. I’m an only child, but from the outside it seems like you really have to carve out your own identity within that dynamic. I think that was captured so beautifully, both in the scripts and in the novels.”
Keyes’ novels have resonated with readers worldwide, selling over 30 million copies and being translated into 36 languages. Her acclaimed works, including Rachel’s Holiday and Grown Ups, have earned her numerous accolades, including Irish Book Awards and the British Book Awards Author of the Year title in 2022. The television adaptation aims to bring that same emotional resonance to a wider audience.
The series, a co-production between Cuba Pictures and Metropolitan Films International, in association with the BBC and Screen Ireland, was initially broadcast on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player in Ireland in September 2025. Its arrival on BBC One marks a significant moment for Keyes and her devoted readership, offering a new way to experience the beloved world of the Walsh sisters. The show promises a blend of humor, heartache, and relatable family dynamics, solidifying its place as a noteworthy addition to the BBC’s drama lineup.
