Series Overview
Arriving on Netflix just in time for Valentine’s season, One Day returns as a limited-run British series.
The story follows Dex and Em across decades, reconnecting on the same date year after year.
Originally a popular novel, it was previously adapted into a 2011 movie featuring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess.
This new incarnation expands the tale into 14 episodes, giving more room to explore the characters and their evolving relationship.
If you loved the film or the book, this serialized version offers a fresh, deeper take on the familiar romance.
On July 15, 1988, Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew share their first conversation on graduation night, not knowing this date would become significant in their lives. The narrative follows them on this same day each year, chronicling their evolving relationship through life's triumphs and tragedies.
"The beauty of this story lies in its vast timeline coupled with the intimate portrayal of their connection," explains Molly Manners, lead director and associate producer. The series aims to create a sense of closeness to the characters, exploring the realm of possibilities and the significance of seemingly insignificant moments that later prove pivotal.
The adaptation draws from David Nicholls' bestselling novel, now available in a special hardback edition featuring the poignant inscription: "This is where it all begins. Everything starts here, today."
Nicholls, serving as executive producer alongside series creator Nicole Taylor, shared Manners' vision for an immersive viewing experience. "We wanted viewers to feel present in each moment, not merely observing from a distance," Manners notes.
To convey the unique bond between Emma and Dexter, Manners developed a distinctive visual approach. "I envisioned an invisible connection binding them together—something audiences would sense rather than see explicitly," she explains. This technique captures their longing even during separation, with matching shots depicting parallel actions in different locations, such as Emma in Wolverhampton and Dexter in Rome.
The series stars Ambika Mod as Emma and Leo Woodall as Dexter, supported by an ensemble including Essie Davis, Tim McInnerny, Eleanor Tomlinson, and Joely Richardson.
Emma Morley: The Heart of "The One Day"
In the much-anticipated adaptation of David Nicholls' beloved novel, Emma Morley emerges as far more than a conventional romantic lead. Portrayed with nuanced brilliance by Ambika Mod, Emma represents a character whose complexity resonates with countless readers and viewers alike.
Director Manners emphasizes that Emma defies simple categorization. She's an English literature graduate armed with intellect, wit, and a dream to make meaningful change in her world. Her chance encounter with Dexter on their university green sets in motion a relationship that will span decades, evolving in ways neither could anticipate.
What makes Emma particularly compelling is her authenticity. She navigates life with sharp humor that often serves as her emotional shield. Despite her remarkable intelligence, she harbors deep insecurities in relationships and approaches life with a questioning mind that refuses to accept things at face value.
Both Mod and Manners have spoken about their personal connection to Emma's character. "I saw a lot of myself in Emma. Nicole did as well. So many people who read the book did," Manners notes, highlighting the character's universal appeal.
The preparation for bringing Emma to life went beyond traditional rehearsals. Manners conducted innovative background call exercises with Mod and her co-star, allowing them to improvise conversations while in character. These sessions explored their characters' histories across different time periods, helping the actors inhabit their roles more naturally.
Ambika Mod brings significant talent to the role, having previously earned a Royal Television Society award for her breakthrough performance in "This Is Going to Hurt." Her work in "I Hate Suzie Too" further demonstrated her versatility as a performer, making her perfectly positioned to capture Emma's multifaceted personality.
Through Mod's performance, viewers experience Emma's journey in all its emotional richness—her aspirations, vulnerabilities, triumphs, and heartbreaks unfolding across the years in this sweeping romantic drama.
Introducing Leo Woodall as Dex in Netflix's Latest Romance
Leo Woodall brings the complex character of Dex to life in Netflix's new romantic drama. Behind his character's playboy facade lies a privileged young man whose life takes an unexpected turn after a chance graduation night encounter.
The casting process revealed Woodall's natural talent immediately. His first audition tape impressed the production team, who appreciated his ability to portray privilege with subtlety rather than caricature. As casting director Manners explains, they wanted Dex to have "a sense of entitlement" without becoming a stereotypical "posh toff."
Interestingly, Woodall was filming his breakthrough role in "The White Lotus" when cast as Dex, requiring some accent work to transition from his Essex boy character to this new role.
Viewers may recognize Woodall from his award-winning performance in "The White Lotus" Season 2, where he was part of the ensemble that earned a Screen Actors Guild Award. His growing filmography includes notable appearances in "Citadel," "Vampire Academy," "Cherry," and "Holby City."
The chemistry between Woodall and his co-star promises to deliver the emotional depth fans of romantic dramas crave, making this new Netflix offering one to watch.
Essie Davis brings her acclaimed presence to the Netflix adaptation of 'One Day', portraying Alison.
You've likely seen Davis captivate audiences in diverse roles across film and television.
Her notable credits include 'Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries', the chilling 'The Babadook', and the historical drama 'The White Princess'.
She also appeared in 'Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities', 'The Slap', and 'Miss Fisher & The Crypt of Tears'.
Many of these performances are available for streaming on Netflix.
In 'One Day', Davis embodies Alison, Dexter's well-meaning mother.
She is a character deeply invested in her son's journey, hoping he discovers his true purpose in life.
Alison finds particular comfort and approval in Dexter's enduring friendship with Emma.
(Matthew Towers/Netflix)
Star-studded Cast and Locations
The acclaimed Essie Davis joins the cast!
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Her portrayal promises depth in a key supporting role.
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Prepare to be swept away by the official trailer.
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Its poignant glimpses of love and time resonate deeply.
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Discover the breathtaking filming locations across Europe.
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From Edinburgh's historic charm to sun-drenched Mediterranean coasts.
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Each stunning vista feels like a character itself.
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This adaptation captures the novel's enduring heartache and hope perfectly.
Playing Stephen, he brings a steady, warm presence to the role.
Character note: as Dex’s father, he quietly encourages and expects his son to reach his full potential.
Selected screen credits: Stromboli, The Serpent, Notting Hill, Blackadder, White Dragon, and Severance.
Catch these performances streaming on Netflix.
Prepare to be utterly enchanted
by the breathtaking chemistry
of the captivating cast.
Let the poignant trailer
sweep you into its nostalgic embrace,
tugging at your heartstrings.
Stunning stills reveal
swoon-worthy filming locations,
each frame a picturesque postcard.
Feel the palpable romance
and bittersweet yearning
leap from every scene.
This is more than just a watch;
it's an immersive journey
into enduring love.
Amber Grappy portrays the character of Tilly in the heartfelt adaptation of "One Day," serving as Emma's loyal confidante throughout their university journey.
Tilly emerges as a pivotal supporting character in the narrative, forming a deep bond with Emma during their freshman year at Edinburgh University, establishing their friendship before the central romance between Emma and Dexter begins to unfold.
Their relationship provides emotional grounding for Emma's character development, offering viewers insight into Emma's world beyond her complicated dynamic with Dexter.
Fans of Grappy's performance can explore her versatile acting portfolio in other notable productions including the comedy-drama "Smothered," the intense series "Wreck," and her compelling role in "The Baby."
Matthew Towers brings a captivating charm to the character of Ian in Netflix's latest romantic offering. His portrayal of an ambitious stand-up comedian who crosses paths with Emma while both work at a vibrant Mexican eatery in London's bustling restaurant scene adds depth to the storyline.
Weldon's performance as Ian showcases his versatility as an actor, building upon an impressive résumé that includes memorable roles across British television. Fans may recognize him from his work in the comedy series "The Holden Girls: Mandy & Myrtle," where his timing and delivery first caught audience attention.
His comedic talents were further displayed in "Figg & Dates" and the crime comedy-drama "The Outlaws," while "Sneakerhead" and "Stath Lets Flats" demonstrated his ability to shine in ensemble casts. Most notably, Weldon made an appearance in the epic fantasy series "House of the Dragon," proving his range extends well beyond comedy.
The chemistry between Ian and Emma develops naturally against the backdrop of London's diverse culinary landscape, with Towers bringing authenticity to the struggling comedian's journey. Viewers can follow Jonny Weldon's career and upcoming projects through his social media presence and official channels.
Beyond the charming chaos of Dexter's world
stands Sylvie - his anchor in adulthood's storm
played with captivating grace by Eleanor Tomlinson
She embodies the sophisticated ideal Dex strives to reach
her lineage steeped in aristocratic tradition
a world he desperately longs to belong within
Tomlinson, known for fiery roles in Poldark
and compelling turns in The Couple Next Door
brings depth to this complex society sweetheart
Discover the allure she brings to One Day
streaming exclusively on Netflix
where love and ambition beautifully entwine
The breathtaking trailer whisks you away to dreamy English landscapes where romance unfolds.
Immerse yourself in must-see filming spots like dramatic coastal cliffs
and iconic London bridges bathed in golden light.
Eleanor Tomlinson delivers a captivating performance,
anchoring the poignant love story with raw vulnerability.
Prepare for swoon-worthy visuals capturing every tender moment
and heart-wrenching twist across decades.
This adaptation promises an unforgettable journey through time,
love, and the choices that shape our lives.
Add it immediately to your watchlist for a deeply moving experience.
Helen, portrayed with captivating depth in "The One Day," embodies the quintessential maternal figure with a fiercely competitive edge that defines her family dynamic.
The character's complexity shines through as she navigates relationships within a household where achievement and rivalry intertwine with love and support.
Matthew Towers delivers a nuanced performance for Netflix, bringing Helen to life with subtle expressions and powerful emotional range that resonates with viewers.
Fans of Towers' work will recognize his versatility from an impressive portfolio spanning beloved classics and contemporary dramas. His memorable appearances in "101 Dalmatians" showcased his ability to balance comedy with character development, while his work in the provocative series "Nip/Tuck" demonstrated his range with more mature themes.
Fantasy enthusiasts will remember Towers' compelling contribution to "The Sandman," where his performance added depth to the dreamlike narrative. His romantic sensibilities were perfectly captured in both "Lady Chatterley" and "Lady Chatterley's Lover," where his portrayal of complex emotional entanglements earned critical acclaim.
The actor's talent for depicting passionate characters was further evidenced in "Endless Love," completing a diverse catalog that highlights his remarkable versatility across genres.
Netflix subscribers can experience the full spectrum of Towers' exceptional talent by streaming these performances on the platform, culminating with his latest role as Helen in the must-watch "The One Day."
Series Overview
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Follow Joely Richardson for updates, behind-the-scenes photos, and exclusive content
Experience Toby Stephens' captivating transformation into Lionel, Sylvie's aristocratic father in One Day.
Stephens embodies a man deeply rooted in generational wealth and outdated values, a stark contrast to modern sensibilities.
His impressive acting repertoire, featuring Jane Eyre, Die Another Day, and Lost in Space, showcases remarkable versatility.
Fans can also revisit his powerful performances in 13 Hours, Black Sails, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
All these acclaimed titles are readily available for streaming on Netflix.
Immerse yourself in the captivating journey.
Experience every heartfelt moment unfold.
Curate your very own collection of magic.
Save the stories that truly resonate with you.
The new images give viewers an intimate look at Mod as Emma and Woodall as Dex, capturing their chemistry in candid first-look photos.
Rather than polished publicity shots, the behind-the-scenes clips show the two actors sharing genuine laughs between takes, highlighting the lighter moments on set.
The adaptation follows Em and Dex across many years and a wide variety of settings — locations in the UK and beyond — with the production committed to presenting each place from the characters’ point of view instead of as postcard-ready backdrops.
Edinburgh plays a special role in the series: the story both opens and closes there, so shooting on location was essential to creating an authentic sense of time and place.
As the showrunner explained, filming in the city helps root the story — Edinburgh is threaded deeply through the source material, and the production wanted that to come through.
One of the pivotal early scenes, their meeting during graduation night, was filmed at the University of Edinburgh’s Old College; the crew also used real campus settings and surrounding streets to preserve a lived-in, natural feel.
Music played as big a role as the locations in shaping the mood of the series, with an array of tracks stitched into key moments to deepen emotion and character.
Vanbur’s songs crop up repeatedly—several tracks from their albums provide an almost constant thread—while classic indie and pop cuts like the Cocteau Twins and The Kinks also appear on the show’s curated playlists.
The production assembled a full Em-and-Dex soundtrack for fans, and there are plans for a special vinyl pressing carrying the show’s musical arc.
The team treated music selection as storytelling: temporary cues were swapped out in the edit until the right palette emerged, and when Vanbur landed in an episode, it often felt like everything clicked into place.
Author David Nicholls, who serves as an executive producer, contributed character playlists he had used while writing, helping the actors and creatives understand their characters’ tastes—Dexter leaning toward clubbier sounds, Emma favoring a blend of acoustic and politically minded songs.
Locations move the story as much as the score. Edinburgh provides some of the series’ most memorable visuals, from a lovers’ kiss framed by the castle to an exposition-filled scene high above the city.
A narrow, historic alleyway known to visitors for its castle views became the backdrop for a quiet, consequential moment between the leads; production specifically wanted the fortress visible in those shots.
For the mountain scenes, the crew hiked up Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park to capture the cinematic sweep of the city below—choosing early mornings for shoots to avoid crowds and steering clear of the August Fringe to keep the hills quieter.
Filming on Arthur’s Seat brought practical challenges: shifting light, gusts, and makeup continuity when the same actor played different ages in a single day. Post-production fixes helped smooth out weather-related wrinkles, literally and figuratively.
London locations stretch from atmospheric neighborhoods to landmark interiors. The series opens its production calendar with a picnic in Camden’s park—a sequence rehearsed extensively before camera rolled and shot in golden-hour light to contrast Emma’s muted feelings about life in the capital.
Other London sites included period backdrops like Hatfield House, elegant interiors such as the Savoy, and everyday transit architecture like King’s Cross, plus views from Primrose Hill.
The story also travels abroad: Rome hosts a vibrant, sun-drenched episode that avoids the usual postcard clichés; Paros stages a Greek escape; Paris appears later, each city chosen to reflect the characters’ states of mind rather than tourist must-sees.
To get the student-living feel right in Rome, the production inspected actual apartments—one of which had a colorful rumor attached to it, said to have once housed a famed filmmaker.
Behind the camera, the creative team mapped out the long arc across time. The series comprises 14 episodes, each centered on July 15 of successive years, running between roughly 20 and 40 minutes.
That format mirrors the novel’s yearly chapters and allowed episodes to breathe differently depending on whether a scene needed the intimacy of a single conversation or the scope of an entire day.
Choosing to stage most of the drama off-screen and revisit the characters annually was a deliberate decision; it focuses attention on how Emma and Dexter react to the passage of time and to each other rather than documenting every event in between.
Directorial and editorial choices emphasized growth and physical transformation. The lead director set the endpoints for the characters’ journeys early on so the actors could evolve naturally across episodes, and other directors then explored the in-between stages.
That evolution—small changes in posture, speech, and confidence—was something the production celebrated as the cast aged into their roles.
On the production side, the series was shepherded by a team of producers and executive producers from the originating company, with episode directing shared among several filmmakers and a tight editorial team shaping the final rhythm.
Small production anecdotes reveal the work behind the glamour: early-morning shoots to dodge tourists; chasing the perfect low-evening sun for a single speech; swapping temporary music tracks for songs that finally made editors and creatives give each other goosebumps.
The result is a series that leans on place, sound, and time to tell a story of two people repeatedly finding and losing one another—framed by specific settings but aiming for emotions that feel universal.
The full season premiered in early 2024 and is available to stream now.
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