In a massive win for disability representation, ITV’s gripping crime drama Code of Silence won Best Drama Series at the 2026 BAFTA Television Awards.
The thriller stars Rose Ayling-Ellis as Alison Woods, a deaf catering worker who is asked by the police to use her lip-reading skills to help crack a dangerous criminal case. The show has been a huge hit, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats while authentically showing the deaf community.
For the show's creator and writer, Catherine Moulton, the BAFTA win is incredibly personal.
"We were thrilled to win the BAFTA for best drama series. Lip readers are detectives and we wanted to make the deaf experience central to a thrilling, entertaining crime story.
“I’ve been partially deaf since childhood and I taught myself to lip read. Only 30 -40 per cent of speech sounds can be lip read, even in ideal situations. The rest is a jigsaw put together from context, rhythm of speech, body language."
One of the coolest parts of the show is its use of "evolving subtitles." Instead of just showing standard text, the subtitles change on screen to show exactly how a deaf person pieces a conversation together.
"Lip reading is often portrayed as a magical process, like some kind of super power,” adds Catherine. “The evolving subtitles were designed to give the audience a window into just how much effort goes into lip reading. As every lip reader knows, it requires close attention, it's hard work and can be very tiring!"
Beyond the plot twists, Code of Silence has become a major milestone for inclusive television. Catherine hopes this massive award will open doors for more disabled talent in the industry.
"To all deaf actors and creators out there, I hope Code of Silence’s BAFTA win proves that there is an appetite for our stories. The industry still has a way to go in achieving proper representation and breaking down barriers to entry, but there is also a real appetite for fresh stories and new perspectives. So don't lose hope. Things are changing for the better."
And for everyone who was left wanting more after that tense finale, Catherine says it will be back on our screens soon.
"A second series of Code of Silence has been commissioned. We can’t say too much about it for now, but we’re very excited to explore new challenges for Alison."
Photo: Stuart Wilson/BAFTA / Contributor
