Channel 5 has confirmed the commissioning of The Rumour (5×60’), a gripping new thriller produced by Cuba Pictures and Clapperboard in collaboration with Fremantle, which will handle international distribution.
The series will star Rachel Shenton (All Creatures Great and Small, For Her Sins) as Joanna, a young mother seeking a fresh start. Joining her are Joanne Whalley (Willow, Wolf Hall), Emily Atack (Rivals), Samuel Anderson (Doctor Who, Another Life), Ellie Haddington (Enola Holmes, Motherland), Lucy Speed (Unforgotten, Afterlife), Liza Sadovy (A Real Pain, Patience), and Carryl Thomas (Silo, Silent Witness). Additional cast members include Tamzin Griffin, Alex Waldmann, and Okezie Morro.
The story follows Joanna as she relocates with her son, Alfie, to the quiet coastal town of Flinstead in search of a new beginning. She becomes entangled in the town’s close-knit social circles and discovers an online rumour about a child killer living nearby. Using the gossip to gain acceptance among local mothers, Joanna inadvertently ignites a wave of suspicion and paranoia. As tensions mount, she struggles to discern truth from lies while trying to protect her son in a community where trust is fragile and secrets have devastating consequences.
Adapted from Lesley Kara’s Sunday Times bestselling novel, The Rumour explores the destructive power of gossip and its ripple effects in a seemingly peaceful town.
Commissioned by Paul Testar, Drama Commissioning Editor at Channel 5, the series will also be executive produced by Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer, Paramount UK. Dixie Linder and Nick Marston (Chemistry of Death, McMafia) join as executive producers alongside Rachel Gesua (The Teacher, The Catch) and Suzi McIntosh (Peaky Blinders, Silent Witness). Richard Clark (Doctor Who, War of the Worlds) will direct, with Giula Sandler (White House Farm) serving as writer and executive producer, and Dominic Barlow (The Mallorca Files) as producer.
Speaking about the role, Rachel Shenton said: “I’m thrilled to play Joanna. The Rumour is a fascinating exploration of a woman unraveling as she seeks the truth. The cast is incredible, and it’s great to work on a project led by so many talented women.”
Paul Testar commented: “This series is a gripping portrayal of secrets and mistrust in a small-town setting, bringing Lesley Kara’s captivating narrative to life with a stellar cast and a creative team delivering edge-of-your-seat suspense.”
Executive producer Dixie Linder added: “We’re excited to adapt Lesley Kara’s compelling thriller for the screen. With its powerful themes of gossip and suspicion, The Rumour is both timely and thought-provoking.”
Rebecca Dundon of Fremantle described the series as “a razor-sharp psychological drama that weaponizes everyday gossip, revealing how fragile trust can be when fear takes hold.”
Filming is currently underway, and the series is scheduled to premiere on Channel 5 in 2025.
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