The kidnapping is just the start of the story. Girl Taken, a new British psychological thriller coming to Paramount+, focuses on what happens after a victim escapes. The series will explore the long and difficult road to recovery for a family torn apart by crime. All six episodes of the show will be available for streaming globally on January 8, 2026.
Based on Hollie Overton’s 2016 novel Baby Doll, the story follows twin sisters Lily and Abby. Their lives in a quiet English town are destroyed when Lily is taken by a trusted local teacher, Rick Hansen. After years of captivity, Lily manages to escape. She finds that returning home presents its own set of painful challenges, as her family has been living with a different kind of trauma during her absence. The man who took her remains free, determined to avoid being caught.
What to Expect From the Story and Characters
Girl Taken moves beyond a simple crime investigation. The show centers on the emotional damage and the struggle to rebuild a life. The story is described as a raw look at trauma, resilience, and the bond between sisters.
The main tension comes from Lily’s return. Her sister, Abby, has grown up without her. Their mother, Eve, has spent years hoping for her daughter’s safe return. Now, they must all learn to live together again while dealing with the lingering fear that Rick is still out there. The show questions how a family heals when the source of their pain remains at large.
The character of Rick Hansen is portrayed as a predator hiding in plain sight. As a beloved teacher, he uses his good reputation in the community to hide his actions. The story shows how people can be fooled by a friendly face and a position of authority.
Meet the Cast Bringing the Story to Life
The series features a cast of well-known British actors and rising stars.
- Alfie Allen plays Rick Hansen, the teacher with a dark secret. Allen is best known for his role as Theon Greyjoy in Game of Thrones.
- Jill Halfpenny takes the role of Eve, the twins’ mother. Halfpenny has appeared in shows like The Cuckoo and After the Flood.
- Tallulah Evans and Delphi Evans, who are sisters in real life, play the twin sisters Lily and Abby. This real-life connection is expected to add depth to their on-screen relationship.
The supporting cast includes several familiar faces from British television and film:
- Vikash Bhai (Limbo)
- Niamh Walsh (Smother)
- Levi Brown (This Town)
- Victoria Ekanoye (Coronation Street)
- Holly Atkins (Criminal Justice)
- Kiran Krishnakumar (Everything Now)
Behind the Scenes: From Book to Screen
Girl Taken is a Paramount+ UK original production. The series is produced by Mike Benson’s Clapperboard Studios, with Benson and Suzi McIntosh serving as executive producers.
The adaptation of Hollie Overton’s novel was handled by a team of writers experienced in suspense drama. David Turpin (The Ex-Wife), Suzanne Cowie (Good Ship Murder), and Nessah Muthy (Grantchester) wrote the scripts. Directing duties are shared by Laura Way (The Serial Killer’s Wife) and Bindu de Stoppani (Silent Witness).
Executive producer Suzi McIntosh has described the series as having “dark psychological storytelling full of twists and turns” that kept the team “on the edge of our seats throughout”.
Release Schedule and How to Watch
Mark your calendars. Girl Taken will have a global premiere on Thursday, January 8, 2026. All six episodes of the limited series will be released at once on Paramount+, allowing viewers to watch the entire story without waiting.
The series will be available in all countries where Paramount+ is offered. For regions where the streaming service is not available, Paramount Global Content Distribution will handle the series’ distribution.
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First Look: Images and Trailer Reactions
Paramount+ has released first-look photos and a full trailer, giving audiences a preview of the show’s tense atmosphere.
The trailer introduces the quiet rural setting before quickly shifting to moments of fear. We see Eve making a desperate plea for help as the search for her daughter begins. The footage also shows Rick Hansen involved in the community search, highlighting his deceptive double life.
One of the most talked-about moments from the trailer is a line delivered by Allen’s character. He is heard saying to Lily, “You’re going to learn to be good,” which sent a chill through many who watched it. Another creepy moment shows Rick stroking Lily’s face and calling her “Baby doll,” the original title of the source novel.
The decision to cast real-life sisters Tallulah and Delphi Evans has been noted as a smart choice that adds a layer of authenticity to the story of twin sisters.
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