BBC Listeners star says show is 'much more interesting than cults' as she shares concept

The Listeners star Rebecca Hall has shared her perspective on the new BBC drama as she warns viewers that there is much more than meets the eye.

The new series, which aired on BBC One on Tuesday, left viewers intrigued by the compelling storyline involving teacher Claire Kutty, played by actress Rebecca.

Claire, an English teacher at a secondary school in her early forties, experiences a low, rumbling noise while ferrying her daughter Ashley to school. However, the first seemingly harmless sound later triggers an avalanche of issues.

Claire begins experiencing migraines, nosebleeds, sleeplessness and even hallucinations.

The humming noise continues to cause increasing tension between herself and her husband, Paul (Prasanna Puwanarajah), and daughter, Ashley (Mia Tharia) who are puzzled by her mysterious health woes.

But despite extensive medical investigations, no clear source or cause is identified and the sound remains unheard by others.

After enduring weeks of escalating isolation and anxiety about her health and what could be wrong, Claire is approached by her pupil Kyle Francis (Ollie West), who also reveals that he too can hear the mysterious sound.

Sharing her thoughts on the new thriller, which aims to tackle a number of themes, including conspiracy culture in the West and the need for connection, actress Rebecca said the story isn't just about "cults", which some may first deem.

She said: "The show to me isn't about 'cults', it's much more interesting than that. As it's more about the people who are susceptible to them."

"Often, it's the people you least expect. It's the people who are smart and have their head screwed on. The Listeners speaks to the fact that we're all vulnerable and at times, desperate and susceptible to all kinds of things to make us feel safer and less alone."

She also added: "This story does look at human vulnerabilities and what makes you susceptible to people who might be emotionally manipulative. But it also speaks to a desperation that forces people to become emotionally manipulative because they are equally vulnerable and want to feel connection with other people."

When asked what she hopes viewers will take away from the new series, Rebecca explained: "The Listeners is very philosophically engaging and challenging. It's entertaining and I hope that the audience go on the journey that Claire goes on and into a land of extreme beliefs that you wouldn't have expected someone to believe at the beginning."

The Listeners is available to watch on BBC Iplayer