The Rumour on Channel 5: Your First Look at the Tense New Thriller

Get ready for a chilling autumn, as Channel 5 has just dropped the first-look images for its brand-new, five-part thriller, The Rumour. Featuring a star-studded cast and a premise that will have you second-guessing everyone, this is set to be the drama that gets the whole country talking. Let’s dive into everything we know about this gripping new series.

Based on the bestselling novel by Lesley Kara, The Rumour follows Joanna (Rachel Shenton), a mother trying to escape her past by starting fresh in a quiet seaside town. But her hopes for a peaceful life are shattered when a terrifying rumour circulates: a convicted child killer has been released and is living under a new identity within their small community.

This tense drama promises to be a standout series for Channel 5 this year, exploring themes of fear, paranoia, and the devastating speed at which a whisper can escalate into a witch hunt.

Who Stars in The Rumour? Meet the Cast

The series boasts a fantastic lineup of British talent, bringing the complex characters from Lesley Kara’s novel to life.

Rachel Shenton as Joanna

Known for her Oscar-winning short film The Silent Child and her role in All Creatures Great and Small, Rachel Shenton leads the cast as Joanna. Desperate to connect with local mothers, Joanna makes the fateful decision to share the rumour, unintentionally unleashing a wave of chaos that she finds herself at the centre of.

Emily Atack as Debbie

The Inbetweeners and Celebrity Juice star Emily Atack takes on a dramatic role as Debbie, one of the local women Joanna meets. The first-look images show her deep in conversation, hinting at her key role as the rumour mill begins to turn.

Joanne Whalley as Bea

The legendary Joanne Whalley, known for her roles in Willow and The Borgias, plays Bea. Pictured looking thoughtful, Bea is another key community member who will undoubtedly be caught up in the unfolding drama. Her experience in bringing complex characters to the screen is sure to make Bea a memorable figure.

Samuel Anderson as Michael

Fresh from roles in Doctor Who and Another Level, Samuel Anderson plays Michael. As the situation in the town spirals, Joanna is forced to question everyone around her, and Michael will surely be part of that web of suspicion.

What is the Plot of The Rumour?

The central plot is a masterclass in building suspense. When Joanna hears the chilling whisper that a notorious killer might be her neighbour, she sees it as a way to bond with the other mums. However, she misjudges the impact of her words. The rumour spreads like wildfire, fuelling paranoia and shattering the trust between lifelong neighbours.

As hostility grows, Joanna finds herself a target. She becomes tangled in a web of secrets, blame, and recrimination, forced to confront the secrets of those around her while questioning her own sanity and judgment. It’s a gripping exploration of modern-day fear and the dark side of community gossip.

From Bestselling Book to Must-Watch TV Thriller

The series is adapted from the wildly successful debut novel of the same name by author Lesley Kara, which became a bestseller upon its release. Fans of the book will be eager to see how the novel’s tense atmosphere and shocking twists are translated to the screen. The adaptation promises to delve deep into the psychological turmoil of its characters, making for an unsettling and compelling viewing experience.

When is The Rumour’s Release Date on Channel 5?

While an exact date has not yet been announced, Channel 5 has confirmed that The Rumour will air and be available for streaming in Autumn 2025. It is poised to be a major highlight of the network’s autumn schedule. We will update this post as soon as the official release date is confirmed.

Are you excited to watch The Rumour? Have you read the book by Lesley Kara? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!