Is a Post-it Note Exchange a Good Prelude to Romance?
The Flatshare raises a compelling question: can exchanging sticky notes be a viable precursor to a romantic relationship? The series, based on the bestselling novel by Beth O’Leary, explores the lives of Tiffany and Leon, two individuals who share an apartment yet have never met, opting instead to communicate through colorful Post-it notes. Starring Jessica Brown Findlay and Anthony Welsh, this charming romantic comedy debuts on Channel 5 this week.
O’Leary conceived this unique living arrangement during a period in her life when she experienced minimal interaction with her then-boyfriend due to their conflicting work schedules. In an interview with Radio Times, she reminisced, “He was working as a junior doctor and had numerous night shifts. We lived together but often passed like ships in the night. I would sometimes catch a glimpse of him driving to the hospital as I walked home from the station. I began to piece together his day from the little things I found around the house.” It’s noteworthy that the boyfriend she referred to is now her husband.
Viewers will have to tune into The Flatshare to discover if Tiffany and Leon share a similarly successful outcome.
What is The Flatshare About?
The Flatshare narrates the story of two financially struggling Londoners who share a bed but have never crossed paths. Newly heartbroken over her controlling ex-boyfriend, journalist Tiffany earns a meager wage working at a clickbait website. Meanwhile, Leon works as a palliative care nurse during nighttime hours, receiving life lessons from a terminally ill teenager while trying to prove the innocence of his brother, who has been wrongfully convicted of armed robbery.
Their unique living arrangement allows Tiffany access to the flat from 8 PM to 8 AM, while Leon occupies it during the opposite hours. However, as their playful Post-it note exchanges begin to flourish, they become increasingly entangled in each other’s intricate lives, leading to an unexpected romantic attraction. The central question remains: is it possible to fall in love with someone you’ve never seen?
Who Stars in The Flatshare?
Jessica Brown Findlay
Jessica Brown Findlay takes on the role of Tiffany, an online journalist navigating life post-breakup. The 37-year-old actress first gained fame as Lady Sybil Crawley in the acclaimed period drama Downton Abbey. Since then, she has starred in various productions, including The Outcast, Harlots, and Playing Nice. Her film credits include appearances in The Riot Club, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and England is Mine.
Anthony Welsh
Anthony Welsh portrays Leon, a compassionate palliative care nurse striving to secure his brother’s freedom. Welsh, 41, made his film debut in the war drama Red Tails and recently appeared in Bob Marley: One Love. His television credits feature notable roles such as Joe in Pure, Lucky Gordon in The Trial of Christine Keeler, and Jake in Brassic. He has also showcased his talents in various stage productions, including The Merchant of Venice and The Comeuppance.
Shaq B Grant
Shaq B Grant plays Richie, Leon’s brother who is wrongfully imprisoned. Grant is recognized for his performance as Raheem in Gangs of London and has also featured in the U.S. drama The Box and the Netflix film Bird Box: Barcelona.
Dustin Demri-Burns
Dustin Demri-Burns stars as Phil in The Flatshare. A comedian, actor, and writer, he has appeared in Dope Girls, Slow Horses, Am I Being Unreasonable?, and GameFace. The 46-year-old has also been part of films such as The Spy Who Dumped Me, Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, and Horrible Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans.
Additional Cast Members
- Bart Edwards as Justin (The Witcher, Young Wallander)
- Jonah Hauer-King as Mo (The Little Mermaid, World on Fire)
- Shaniqua Okwok as Maia (It’s a Sin, Wolfe)
- David Hargreaves as Mr. Prior (Last Christmas, This Country)
- Gina Bramhill as Rachel (Silent Witness, Us)
- Colin Hoult as Al (After Life, Black Ops)
- Alis Waters as Holly (Silverpoint)
- Bill Milner as Si (The Serpent Queen, Midas Man)
- Klariza Clayton as Kay (Skins, House of Anubis)
- Nathalie Armin as Tania Joseph (Showtrial, Juice)
- Jo Martin as Pauline (Missing You, The Marlow Murder Club)
- Martin Bishop as Johnny White (Ted Lasso, Belgravia)
Where Was The Flatshare Filmed?
Most of the filming for The Flatshare took place in and around the vibrant city of Bristol, although the story is set in London. Interior sets of the London flat, where a significant portion of the filming occurred, were constructed at Bristol’s Bottle Yard Studios. Numerous locations across the southwest city stood in for London and Brighton, creating the perfect backdrop for the storyline.
Filming locations included Leonard Lane and Corn Street in the Old City, residential areas on Deanery Road and Victoria Square in Clifton, offices at the Paintworks development on Bath Road, The Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel, Chandos Road Costcutter in Redland, The Old Fish Market Tavern on Baldwin Street, Averys Wine Cellar on Culver Street, The Cocktail Club on Corn Street, Boca Bar at Finzel’s Reach, Jamaica Street Stores in Stokes Croft, and Al Fresco Cucina Italiana in Westbury on Trym. Additionally, the crew utilized The Penny Brohn Centre in Pill for scenes depicting Leon’s workplace and Shepton Mallet Prison for scenes involving Richie.
When Can You Watch The Flatshare and How Many Episodes Are There?
The six-part series, which originally premiered in late 2022, will be available on Channel 5 starting Friday, March 14, with the first two episodes airing from 9 PM to 11 PM. All six episodes can also be streamed on Paramount+, which requires a subscription starting at £4.99 per month, although a seven-day free trial is available for new subscribers.
