Disney+ UK have announced in a press release that Erin Doherty, Francis Lovehall, Jason Tobin, James Nelson-Joyce, Hannah Walters, Nadia Albina, Morgan Hilaire, Jemma Carlton and Caoilfhionn Dunne are the latest names to join the cast for the Disney+ period drama series A Thousand Blows, based on a true story set around the world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London.

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Based on real-life figures and stories, the series will follow Hezekiah Moscow and Alec Munroe, two best friends from Jamaica who find themselves thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End. Drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving boxing scene, Hezekiah meets Mary Carr, leader of The Forty Elephants – the notorious all-female London gang – as they battle for survival on the streets. As Hezekiah sharpens his new skills, he comes up against Sugar Goodson, a seasoned and dangerous boxer, and the two are soon locked into an intense rivalry that spills out way beyond the ring.

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Erin Doherty (whose credits include The Crown and Chloe) will be playing the role of Mary Carr. Francis Lovehall (whose credits include Small Axe: Lovers Rock and His Dark Materials) will be playing the role of Alec Munroe. Jason Tobin (whose credits include Warrior and Fistful of Vengeance) will be playing the role of Mr Lao. James Nelson-Joyce (whose credits include The Nest and The Outlaws) will be playing the role of Edward ‘Treacle’ Goodson.

Hannah Walters (whose credits include Time and Boiling Point) will be playing the role of Eliza Moody. Nadia Albina (whose credits include The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself and You) will be playing the role of Verity Ross. Morgan Hilaire will be playing the role of Esme Long. Jemma Carlton (whose credit is Maxine) will be playing the role of Belle Downer. Caoilfhionn Dunne (whose credits include Love/Hate and Industry) will be playing the role of Anne Glover. From Walter to Dunne, their characters will be part of The Forty Elephants.

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The same press release states that Tinge Krishnan serves as lead director and executive producer on the 12-episode series, with Ashley Walters and Coky Giedroyc joining as series directors. The series, a Disney+ UK original, is created, written, and executive produced by Steven Knight, with Stephen Graham serving as producer under his banner Matriarch Productions, and will premiere on Disney+ globally, wile in Latin America it will be available via Star+ and on Hulu in the US.

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Production on A Thousand Blows is underway with the cast joining Stephen Graham and Malachi Kirby.