Nick Leather’s six-part drama series, Nightsleeper, brings intense action and gripping suspense as a runaway sleeper train becomes the target of a cyberattack. The series follows the harrowing journey of passengers aboard the train, which has been “hack-jacked” and is hurtling toward an unknown destination. With time ticking, ex-cop Joe (played by Peaky Blinders star Joe Cole) and cyber-security chief Abby (Alexandra Roach) must step in to stop the train and save lives.
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As Joe tries to take control onboard, Abby works from the National Cyber Security Centre to unravel who’s behind the attack. Together, they communicate via a shaky satellite phone, racing against time to prevent catastrophe. The tension builds in every episode, with the show combining action-packed thrills and dark British humor.
The Inspiration Behind Nightsleeper
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Leather, known for his work on The Control Room, Murdered For Being Different, and Mother’s Day, conceived the idea for Nightsleeper seven years ago. He wanted to challenge himself with a real-time story, using the concept of a cyberattack localized on a single train, turning it into a modern-day Murder on the Orient Express meets Speed.
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“The sleeper train from Glasgow to London was perfect for a six-part series,” says Leather, who even took a trip on the Caledonian Sleeper as part of his research.
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Could This Happen in Real Life?
While hacking a train may sound far-fetched, Leather’s scenario isn’t entirely implausible. Although nothing is truly “unhackable,” such an attack would require physical access to the driver’s cabin, making it a less likely threat.
In 2022, Poland experienced sabotage attacks that halted train operations, though they were caused by tricking the system through radio signals, not actual hacking. In Nightsleeper, the hackers install a physical device to carry out the attack, a feat much more challenging in real life.
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Characters Caught in Crisis
The show is anchored by the chemistry between Joe and Abby, who start off as strangers but must work together to stop the impending disaster. Joe’s role onboard the train is to disable the hacking device in the control room, while Abby and her team work tirelessly from the cyber center. Despite their tense situation, the drama is infused with moments of dark humor that only add to its British authenticity.
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Joe Cole explains, “Some of it’s a bit silly… you could read [some lines] in a cheesy way, but I thought that was the fun of it.”
Roach, who plays Abby, adds, “As British people, we find humor in tough situations – it’s what makes us human.”
A Blend of British and Hollywood Thrills
While the show’s humor stays distinctly British, Leather admits he took inspiration from Hollywood action films. “I’ve always loved Hollywood thrillers for their escapism. Melding that with British drama was a fun challenge.”
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The series spares no expense on special effects, bringing high-end Hollywood-style action to the small screen. The actors filmed the scenes in a warehouse in Glasgow, with special effects making the world outside the train whiz by at high speed. “We had such a big budget and top people working on these effects,” Leather notes.
Relatable Heroes in an Extraordinary Crisis
Despite the grand action sequences, Leather’s goal was to create relatable characters. Abby, for example, comes from a working-class background in South Wales, far removed from the typical cyber-security expert. Roach made a point to use her Welsh accent for the role, emphasizing her character’s authenticity.
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“I want my characters to feel real,” says Leather. “They should think about not being the hero – but then decide to step up anyway.”
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Nightsleeper
Q: What is Nightsleeper about?
A: Nightsleeper is a six-part thriller about a cyberattack on a sleeper train traveling from Glasgow to London. The train is “hack-jacked” by criminals, and ex-cop Joe, along with cyber-security chief Abby, must work together to stop the train and uncover the culprits.
Q: When will Nightsleeper be available to watch?
A: All six episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer from 0600 BST on Sunday, 15 September. It will also air on BBC One on Sunday and Monday nights at 21:00, starting on 15 September.
Q: Could the events of Nightsleeper happen in real life?
A: While a scenario like the one in Nightsleeper is unlikely, similar sabotage attacks have occurred, such as the train shutdowns in Poland in 2022. However, hacking a train remotely is difficult, and the show’s plot involves criminals gaining physical access to install a hacking device.
Q: Who are the main characters in Nightsleeper?
A: The main characters are Joe, played by Joe Cole, an ex-cop onboard the train, and Abby, played by Alexandra Roach, the acting chief of cyber security trying to stop the attack from the National Cyber Security Centre.
Q: Is there humor in the series?
A: Yes, despite the high-stakes action, the show features plenty of dark British humor, adding to its unique charm and making the characters more relatable.
Nightsleeper promises a thrilling ride, blending action, suspense, and a distinctly British sensibility. With relatable characters and a gripping plot, it’s sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.