The Rumour | Preview (5)

Thrilling drama starring Rachel Shenton. Joanna arrives in Flinstead with her son Alfie, eager for a fresh start, but when she accidentally spreads a rumour that a child killer is living in town, paranoia takes hold. As suspicion spreads, Joanna becomes convinced that her neighbour Sonia is hiding a dark secret, igniting a chain of events that fractures the community.

When someone dies under mysterious circumstances, fear and blame spiral out of control. With her relationship with Michael crumbling and her mother Bea drawn into the fallout, Joanna is forced to confront the consequences of her actions as the town turns against her and buried secrets emerge.

Joanna arrives in Flinstead with her son Alfie, eager for a fresh start, but when she accidentally spreads a rumour that a child killer is living in town, paranoia takes hold. As suspicion spreads, Joanna becomes convinced that her neighbour Sonia is hiding a dark secret, igniting a chain of events that fractures the community.

When someone dies under mysterious circumstances, fear and blame spiral out of control. With her relationship with Michael crumbling and her mother Bea drawn into the fallout, Joanna is forced to confront the consequences of her actions as the town turns against her and buried secrets emerge.

Also joining the cast is Joanne Whalley (Willow, Wolf Hall, Scandal), Emily Atack (Rivals), Samuel Anderson (Doctor Who, Amandaland), Ellie Haddington (Enola Holmes, Motherland), Lucy Speed (Unforgotten, Afterlife), Liza Sadovy (A Real Pain, Patience, A Small Light) and Carryl Thomas (Emmerdale, Silo, Silent Witness, Eastenders).  Rounding out the ensemble cast are Tamzin Griffin, Alex Waldmann and Okezie Morro.

Episode 1: Joanna, seeking a fresh start, moves to Flinstead with her son Alfie to be closer to her mother, Bea. While trying to integrate into the community, she inadvertently spreads a rumour that a notorious child killer, Sally McGowan, might be living among them. When suspicion falls on her neighbour Sonia, tensions rise, and Joanna’s involvement spirals out of control.

Meanwhile, her estranged partner and Alfie’s dad, Michael, reappears, demanding access to Alfie. As paranoia grips the town, Sonia’s shop is vandalised, and Joanna faces backlash. Ominous warnings soon appear, making her realise the dangerous consequences of gossip.

Episode 2: Joanna is blindsided when a reporter questions her about the chilling rumour - someone has fed him information. Bea urges her to drop it, but threats force Joanna and Alfie to stay with her.

Then she discovers Michael has picked up Alfie from school without her knowledge. Panic consumes her as she frantically searches, fearing the worst. As the press exposes Sonia, tensions explode. On Halloween, the kids enter her house after finding the door open - inside, they make a shocking discovery.

Episode 3: A shocking turn of events sparks a storm of blame. At Bea’s, emotions run high. Bea, distraught, accuses Joanna of causing it all. Shaken, Joanna decides to move back home with Alfie. At school, the tension shifts as Debbie unexpectedly apologises. The town believes Sonia was Sally McGowan and suspicion mounts while secrets unravel, and Joanna is left questioning.

The Rumour airs from Wednesday 10th September on 5.