Channel 4 has just released a first look at Dirty Business, a drama based on real events starring Jason Watkins and David Thewlis as “two unlikely detectives”.

The series is inspired by a decade-long investigation into England’s water companies, as former police detective Ash (Thewlis) and his neighbour Peter (Watkins), a Professor of Computational Biology, team up to uncover a sewage scandal.

Set in Oxfordshire, the series kicks off with the duo noticing the fish in their local river are dying. The water company’s evasive reply prompts Ash and Peter to dig further, with Peter using his skills to establish that their local sewage works is dumping raw sewage into their waterways.

The two characters are joined by whistleblowing sewage plant worker Mickey, played by Asim Chaudhry. After discovering the dark, unethical secrets of the company he works for, Mickey joins forces with Ash and Peter to supply information on critical failures from the inside.

Watkins praised the story of Dirty Business as “human” and “grounded”.

“I wanted to be part of this series because of how human and grounded the story is – it’s told through ordinary people who refuse to look away when something isn’t right,” he said.

“Dirty Business captures the quiet determination it takes to stand up to a system far bigger than the individual, and shining a light on the real human cost of environmental damage and corporate neglect felt both urgent and important to be part of.”

Thewlis added: “What shocked me about this story was just how much has been allowed to go unchecked – two ordinary men uncovering negligence, illegal pollution, and corporate indifference that should never have been tolerated.

“Being a part of this series has been a chance to channel the anger and frustration so many feel about what’s been done to our rivers and communities, and to show the courage it takes to stand up and demand accountability.”

Channel 4

As for Chaudhry, the actor and comedian spoke about Mickey’s courage to speak out against a system that’s failing the community.

“What drew me to this role was the courage it takes to speak out when a system is failing,” he said.

“There’s anger, frustration, and a deep sense of responsibility in the character, and I wanted to bring to life the human side of standing up for what’s right, even if there’s a risk it might come at a personal cost.”

The cast for the series is rounded out by Posy Sterling, Tom McKay, Jon Culshaw, Vicki Pepperdine, Craig Parkinson, Charlotte Ritchie, Chanel Cresswell, Lucia Keskin, and Alex Jennings.

Dirty Business will air on Channel 4.