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Friendships explode a ‘Call the Midwife’ star’s new holiday-from-hell series

A shocking new drama that blends myth with reality lands on BBC One this week.
Two Weeks in August boasts a stellar cast and paradise-like locations that will have you booking your next trip before the credits roll.
But what starts as an ideal getaway soon transcends into unimaginable chaos.
Here’s all you need to know about Two Weeks in August.
Set in Greece, Two Weeks in August tells the story of a woman, Zoe (Call the Midwife’s Jessica Raine), who goes on holiday with her family and friends to get some joy back into her life. But, once in paradise, the dream holiday soon turns into a nightmare.
As Zoe’s sticky situation unravels, reality shifts into surrealism with icons of Greek mythology haunting her. Is it just guilt and paranoia, or are there bigger forces at play?
To say much more would be to veer dangerously into spoiler territory, but prepare for shock twists and one hell of a ride.
Despite being set in Greece, the drama was actually filmed across Malta and its neighbouring island of Gozo.
‘What’s actually great about Malta not looking like Greece is that we’ve ended up with something which is unusual,’ explains production designer Jon Henson. ‘It’s not the stereotypical Greece that people think of in their heads. It’s still believable but it’s far removed from the Mamma Mia! idea people immediately think of.’
After a dramatic cliffhanger in the opening episode, the group of mates take a boat trip to a remote beach, where the rising tensions quickly catch up with them.
These scenes were filmed in Mellieha Bay, the largest sandy beach on Malta. It’s located on the island’s north coast, a stone’s throw from the picturesque town of Mellieha.
After an illicit kiss threatens to destroy their relationship, Dan takes Zoe on a surprise date in episode three.
The pair take a moped and drive to the Dwejra Cliffs on the island of Gozo, with its vast ocean views.
A local restaurant near the holiday villa is a recurring location throughout the series, with its appearance in an early episode featuring shock revelations shouted across the dinner table.
These scenes were filmed in the Ghar Lapsi area of Malta, but sadly the real-life tavern no longer exists after being damaged during Storm Harry in January 2026, which wreaked havoc on the region.
Jessica Raine (Call the Midwife) and Damien Molony (Brassic) play Zoe and Dan, the couple at the centre of the drama, with their already fragile relationship put under huge strain on the holiday.
Leila Farzad (I Hate Suzie, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy) and Hugh Skinner (Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again) portray Nat and Jacob, overly co-dependent friends who provide most of the comic relief in the series.
Antonia Thomas (Misfits, The Good Doctor) and Nicholas Pinnock (Hedda) round out the primary cast as couple Jess and Solomon.
The first two episodes of Two Weeks in August air on BBC One from 9pm on Saturday, May 23.
Remaining episodes will air weekly on Saturday nights, with the final episode set to air on Saturday, July 4.
All eight episodes are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.
Yes! Take a look at the clip below to see a taste of the drama.
Discover Time Out original video