She'll star alongside Emily Atack, Samuel Anderson, Lucy Speed and more!
Channel 5 has today announced The Rumour, a new five-part thriller starring Rachel Shenton as Joanna, a young mother in need of a new beginning, based on Lesley Kara's bestselling novel of the same name.
In The Rumour, Joanna moves with her young son, Alfie, to the quiet town of Flinstead, seeking a fresh start. However, she quickly becomes entangled in the lives of local mothers and the unsettling dynamics of the community.
When Joanna stumbles upon an online rumour about a child killer living in the town, she uses it to win over the mums at the school gate. As gossip spreads, suspicions build, and Joanna finds herself drawn into a web of secrets and paranoia.
Balancing her efforts to protect her son with the growing unease in town, Joanna struggles to distinguish between truth and hearsay. With relationships strained and emotions running high, the boundaries between trust and fear blur.
The Rumour explores how quickly small-town gossip can spiral out of control, forcing Joanna to confront the unforeseen consequences of curiosity and mistrust in her search for answers.
Also joining the cast are Joanne Whalley, Emily Atack, Samuel Anderson, Ellie Haddington, Lucy Speed, Liza Sadovy and Carryl Thomas. Rounding out the ensemble cast are Tamzin Griffin, Alex Waldmann and Okezie Morro.
On playing Joanna, Rachel Shenton said "I’m really excited to play Joanna. The Rumour is a story of a woman unravelling as she relentlessly pursues the truth. She’s very relatable and the cast are amazing. It’s lovely to work with so many women."
To which Channel 5's Commissioning Editor for Drama, Paul Testar added "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."
Produced by Cuba Pictures and Clapperboard, in association with Fremantle, The Rumour will be written by Giula Sandler who also serves as an executive producer alongside director Richard Clark and producer Dominic Barlow and fellow executive producers Paul Testar, Sebastian Cardwell, Dixie Linder, Nick Marston, Rachel Gesua and Suzi McIntosh.
Speaking about The Rumour, Executive Producer for Cuba Pictures, Dixie Linder said "We’re thrilled to bring Lesley Kara’s compelling thriller to the screen. The Rumour delves into the unsettling impact of gossip, paranoia, and suspicion in a close-knit community. With a brilliant cast and a fantastic creative team, we can’t wait for audiences to see it."
To which Rebecca Dundon, SVP, Head of Scripted Commercial, Global Drama and Fremantle International, added "The Rumour is a razor-sharp psychological drama that turns everyday gossip into a weapon, exposing the dangerous fault lines in trust, community, and the lengths we go to protect our own. What would you do if a rumour about a killer landed on your doorstep?"
The Rumour will air in 2025 on Channel 5
Comments