BBC Two today announce One Child, a 2x90-minute drama written by Guy Hibbert (Blood And Oil, Five Minutes Of Heaven) and directed by John Alexander (The 7.39, Exile, A Small Island). It is co-produced by BBC In-House Drama England Production and Sundance TV.

Starring Katie Leung (Harry Potter, Run), One Child crosses the world as a young Chinese-born woman adopted by Anglo-American parents struggles with who she really is and where her loyalties lies.

Writer Guy Hibbert says: “I wanted to visit a contemporary Chinese city to discover what I felt was the most important story to tell from the point of view of the ordinary Chinese citizen. It is, of course, corruption - as it is in far too many countries throughout the world. My story is set amongst the poorest in the city and amongst the richest, the new billionaire class, abusing power alongside provincial Party officials. I have also looked at the effect of the One Child policy - under which so many baby girls were abandoned and a fortunate few were adopted in the West. What has it been like for those children to grow up living between two cultures?”

Mei (Leung), a first-born Chinese girl adopted by an American mother and British father, is asked to return to her birthplace, Guangzhou, when her birth mother desperately seeks her assistance in saving her son. How far will Mei go to help the woman who gave her away and the brother she’s never met? This drama takes a new look at what it means to be family.

Executive Producer Hilary Salmon adds: “Guy Hibbert is the leading political dramatist of his generation writing for TV. His award-winning work is very often, as in this case, based on detailed research and immersion in the world of his story. The insight, humanity and sheer moral power he brings to One Child will make it a compelling and moving watch for a BBC Two audience.”

Sundance TV President, Sarah Barnett, commented: “One Child is a deeply affecting work that delves into the heart of a human struggle. It tells the story of an ordinary young woman who is plunged into a situation that challenges her to her core. This new mini-series will take viewers on a very immersive journey across borders, and we're excited to add it to our 2014 scripted drama slate.”

One Child will be executive produced by Hilary Salmon and produced by Grainne Marmion (What Remains, A Small Island) for BBC Productions and directed by John Alexander. It was commissioned by Janice Hadlow, former Controller BBC Two and Ben Stephenson, Controller BBC Drama Commissioning.

It is made by BBC Drama production for BBC Two and is co-produced with Sundance TV. One Child begins production in May in London and Hong Kong and will air in late 2014.