Rachel Shenton, Emily Atack and Joanne Whalley to Star in U.K. Thriller Series ‘The Rumour’

As a seasoned cinema enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of British television drama, I can confidently say that the casting for “The Rumour” is nothing short of a masterstroke. With Rachel Shenton, Emily Atack, and Joanne Whalley at the helm, this psychological thriller promises to delve deep into the human psyche, exploring the darker side of small-town gossip and its devastating consequences.

Rachel Shenton, Emily Atack, and Joanne Whalley will play the main roles in the forthcoming British psychological drama titled “The Rumor.” This series explores how rumors, initially harmless whispers in a small town, can quickly escalate into uncontrollable chaos.

According to Lesley Kara’s novel, the upcoming five-part series portrays Shenton as Joanna, a mother seeking a new beginning in a tranquil town along with her son. However, her peaceful life takes an eerie turn when she gets drawn into a disquieting relationship with a circle of local women.

When Joanna discovers an internet rumor about a supposed child murderer residing in their town, she cleverly employs it to gain acceptance among the mothers at the school playground. As whispers turn into rumors, doubts intensify, and Joanna is unwittingly pulled into a tangled web of secrets and anxiety. Juggling her attempts to safeguard her son with the mounting tension in town, Joanna grapples to differentiate between fact and gossip. As friendships fray and emotions boil over, the lines between trust and suspicion become increasingly indistinct.

Shenton, a recipient of the Oscar, is primarily recognized for his role in “All Creatures Great and Small,” whereas Atack can currently be spotted on Disney+’s show “Rivals.” Additionally, Whalley has made appearances in both “Scandal” and “Wolf Hall.

Completing the ensemble are Samuel Anderson (from “Doctor Who”), Ellie Haddington (“Enola Holmes”), Lucy Speed (“Unforgotten”), Liza Sadovy (“A Real Pain”) and Carryl Thomas (“Silo”). In addition, the cast includes Tamzin Griffin, Alex Waldmann and Okezie Morro.

In this production, Richard Clark (“Doctor Who”) takes on the director’s role, while Giula Sandler (“The House Across the Street”) pens the script.

Next year, ‘The Rumor,’ provisionally scheduled for release, will debut on Channel 5 (owned by Paramount). This series is jointly produced by Cuba Pictures and Clapperboard, in collaboration with Fremantle. Fremantle has the worldwide distribution rights.

Emily Hayward Whitlock, through The Artists Partnership, coordinated the rights’ acquisition, working alongside Amanda Preston from LBA Books.

Channel 5’s drama commissioning editor, Paul Testar, commissioned the series and will serve as executive producer alongside Sebastian Cardwell, who holds the position of deputy chief content officer at Channel 5 in the U.K. Dixie Linder (“Chemistry of Death”), Nick Marston (“McMafia”), Rachel Gesua (“The Teacher”), and Suzi McIntosh (“Silent Witness”) will also serve as executive producers, with Sandler joining their team. Dominic Barlow (“The Mallorca Files”) is responsible for producing the series.

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I can’t contain my excitement for stepping into the shoes of Joanna! ‘The Rumour’ is a gripping tale about a woman who, in her tireless quest for truth, starts to unravel. There’s something incredibly relatable about her character, and I’m simply blown away by the exceptional talent surrounding me in this cast. It’s an absolute delight to collaborate with so many incredible women on this project!

Testar stated: “The Rumor” is an engaging drama that delves into the perilous effects of secrets and rumors in a tight-knit community. Written by Lesley Kara with a talented ensemble, this series offers nail-biting tension and a thought-provoking examination of the delicate balance between trust and apprehension.

2024-12-04 11:16

Rachel Shenton, Emily Atack and Joanne Whalley to Star in U.K. Thriller Series ‘The Rumour’

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