Channel 4's new crime drama In Flight sees Coronation Street icon looking unrecognisable

Channel 4 has unveiled a tantalising glimpse of its upcoming crime thriller In Flight, featuring former Coronation Street star Katherine Kelly alongside Top Boy's Ashley Thomas.

The gripping six-part series is set to launch on Tuesday, 12 August, with Katherine - renowned for her portrayal of Becky McDonald in Coronation Street - taking centre stage as Jo Conran, a single mother working as a flight attendant.

She's accompanied by Rebel Moon's Stuart Martin, who plays criminal gang member Cormac, whilst Ashley portrays Jo's former partner and customs officer Dom Delaney.

READ MORE: ‘Best period drama’ hailed ‘alternative Austen’ leaves fan vowing to ‘watch series always’

READ MORE: Good Morning Britain star announces baby news live on air

Rounding out the ensemble cast are Bronagh Waugh as Melanie, Harry Cadby as Sonny, Corinna Brown as Kayla and Ambreen Razia as Zara.

Production for the eagerly awaited series took place in Belfast earlier this year. In Flight was produced by Buccanneer Media, penned and co-created by Mike Walden and Adam Randall, with Brendan Mullin serving as producer, reports the Express.

The synopsis reveals: "As Jo becomes ensnared in the murky underworld of corruption and hired killers, she is forced to carry out their orders while desperately trying to find a way out.

"She turns to her ex, Dom, for help however, no matter how far Jo finds herself from her old life, her mission remains the same, to keep her son alive.

"Set against the fast-paced, high-pressure backdrop of international air travel, In Flight follows Jo's relentless quest to protect her family while entangled in a dangerous criminal syndicate."

First-look snaps from Channel 4 show Katherine, 45, looking dramatically different from her time on Weatherfield. She was a familiar face in Coronation Street from 2006 to 2012.

Fans may also recognise the actress from her roles in Mr Selfridge, Happy Valley, Strike Back, Gentleman Jack, Innocent and Mr Bates vs The Post Office.

The series' co-creators Mike and Adam have described the show: "In Flight is our spin on the noir genre, a high stakes, stylish, romantic thriller with iconic characters and nerve-shredding action."

They added: "Channel 4 is the perfect home for our story and we're so excited to be collaborating with such a brilliant team. Jo is a character close to our hearts. She is an ordinary woman facing extraordinary odds. We can't wait for audiences to meet her."

In Flight is set to premiere on Channel 4 on Tuesday, 12 August at 9pm.