Cork's Alison Oliver leads TV cast for Normal People follow-up Conversations With Friends

Others announced in the cast for the latest Sally Rooney adaptation include English actor Joe Alwyn, often seen in the gossip pages with his girlfriend Taylor Swift 

Alison Oliver and Joe Alwyn are among the leads for Conversations With Friends. 

Last year, as the realities of lockdown number one were becoming apparent and the world turned to streaming and television, one longing-filled tale of two young peoples' starcrossed romantic explorations ended stealing the hearts of millions.

Normal People, an adaptation of Sally Rooney's young-adult drama novel shone a light on the Irish romantic and sexual psyche, and achieved worldwide success via BBC television in the UK, and the Hulu streaming service, making stars out of Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar Jones.

Sally Rooney, author of Normal People and Conversations With Friends.

It's no surprise, then, that all parties have agreed to round two: Rooney's second book, Conversations with Friends, is next for the telly treatment, and the casting announcement alone might catch a few eyes.

Alison Oliver, from Blackrock in Cork and a graduate of the prestigious Lir Academy, will play protagonist Frances; Sasha Lane (American Honey, The Miseducation of Cameron Post)   stars as ex-girlfriend and creative partner Bobbi, and Jemima Kirke (Sex Education, Girls) portrays culture-vulture Melissa. Joe Alwyn - who has been the subject of conversations a lot himself, because of his romance with Taylor Swift - features as love interest Nick.

Jemima Kirke plays culture-vulture Melissa in the show. 

The four are wrapped in a tale of self-discovery, complex relationships and changing circumstances, in a natural progression from its predecessor's poignancy, and portrayal of personal growth.

Element Pictures is back at the helm, collaborating with director Lenny Abrahamson and writers Alice Birch, Mark O’Halloran (Rialto), Meadhbh McHugh (Asking For It) and Susan Soon He Stanton (Succession) on the 12-part drama for BBC Three in partnership with Hulu, made in association with RTÉ.

Sasha Lane was previously seen in The Miseducation of Cameron Post.

Filming will take place this year in Dublin, Belfast and other international locations.

Says Abrahamson: “I feel so excited to be collaborating with four such superb actors to bring Sally’s brilliant novel to the screen. Over the last few months it has been a privilege to work alongside Element Pictures and our extraordinary team of writers to get the scripts to a point where we all feel so excited to start shooting."

Conversations with Friends will air next year on BBC, Hulu, and RTÉ.