Channel 5's brand new thriller series The Rumour will premiere tonight (10 September) at 9pm.
Led by All Creatures Great and Small star Rachel Shenton, The Rumour is based on Lesley Kara's 2018 novel of the same name. Richard Clark, known for his work on Doctor Who and Outlander, is billed as the director. Meanwhile, screenwriter Giula Sandler, who previously penned The House Across the Street for Channel 5, has adapted the scripts.
Packed with twists and turns, The Rumour follows Joanna (Shenton), a young mum who moves to the small town of Flinstead with her son, Alfie.
After hearing a rumour that a convicted child killer is hiding in plain sight, Joanna "seizes the chance to bond with the local mums by sharing it - unknowingly unleashing a wave of paranoia and suspicion". As she becomes increasingly obsessed with learning the truth, however, it's not long until Joanna finds herself embroiled in a "dangerous spiral of secrets and blame".
Rivals' Emily Atack, Wolf Hall's Joanne Whalley, Amandaland's Samuel Anderson, Silo's Carryl Thomas, Enola Holmes' Ellie Haddington, Unforgotten's Lucy Speed and A Real Pain's Liza Sadovy also star.
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Speaking about the five-part series, Channel 5's drama commissioning editor Paul Testar said (via Variety): "The Rumour is a gripping drama about the dangerous power of secrets and gossip in a small town. With Lesley Kara's captivating story and a stellar cast, this series promises edge-of-your-seat suspense and a fascinating exploration of the thin line between trust and fear."
Likewise, Shenton has raved about The Rumour, describing it as "a story of a woman unravelling as she relentlessly pursues the truth".
"She's very relatable and the cast are amazing," added the actor. "It's lovely to work with so many women."
Giving fans further insight into the series, Emily Atack said: "It's fun and pacey. And [there are] some really great twists in it. I think people are really going to love it."
The Rumour will premiere on Channel 5 tonight (Wednesday 10 September) at 9pm.
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