Created and written by multi-award-winning screenwriter Siwan Jones (Con Passionate, Alys, 35 Diwrnod) and directed by Erin Richards (Y Golau/The Light in the Hall:Still Waters, Gotham) the series follows two families from very different sides of the tracks whose lives are slowly entangled by the actions of saintly but strung-out cleaner Maria.
The all-star cast includes Siân Reese-Williams (Y Golau/The Light in the Hall, Y Gwyll/Hinterland, Craith/Hidden), Matthew Gravelle (Steeltown Murders, The Pact, The Accident), Hannah Daniel (Cleddau/The One That Got Away, Pren ar y Bryn/Tree on a Hill, Y Gwyll/Hinterland), Richard Harrington (Cleddau/The One That Got Away, Steeltown Murders, Y Gwyll/Hinterland), Leisa Gwenllian (Y Golau/The Light in the Hall, Effi), Oliver John (Y Golau: Dwr/Still Waters), and Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey, Belonging).
Santa Maria is a Triongl production for S4C and ITV, produced with the support of the Welsh Government via Creative Wales, with equity finance provided by S4Ci’s Commercial Content Fund and distributed internationally by Sphere Abacus.
It was commissioned for S4C by Gwenllian Gravelle, S4C’s Head of Film and Drama, and contributes to S4C’s strategy of producing Welsh language content that appeals to a broad audience and reflects contemporary Wales. Gwenllian said:
“Santa Maria explores the striking contrasts of life in Swansea, where two very different worlds exist side by side. Set against the city and Mumbles’ iconic blue skies, this deliciously dark comedy-drama captures Swansea in all its diversity; vibrant, complex and unmistakably real.
“We’re incredibly excited to be collaborating with ITV for the first time, alongside outstanding partners, to showcase Welsh storytelling at its best. Thanks to the brilliant team at Triongl and the support of Creative Wales, we can’t wait for audiences to meet Maria and step into her world.”
Darren Nartey, Head of Content Acquisitions, ITV said: "We are very proud to be bringing this fascinating, quintessentially Welsh story to our audiences across ITV, and look forward to it gracing our screens in 2027.”
Triongl’s Executive Producers Nora Ostler Spiteri, Alexander Spiteri and Gethin Scourfield said: “We cannot overstate how thrilled we are to go into production on Siwan Jones’ brilliant new drama series Santa Maria. We’ve assembled a brilliant cast and crew to put together a show that is warm, funny and vibrant - a far cry from our usual Welsh noir.
“S4C and Creative Wales, as ever, have been a great support to us in mounting the series and we’re delighted to be teaming up with ITV, S4Ci’s Commercial Content Fund and Sphere Abacus for the first time to bring Santa Maria to life.”
