5 releases first look at new drama 'The Rumour'.

5 has released first look images from new drama ‘The Rumour’.

The cast of The Rumour features Rachel Shenton (All Creatures Great and Small, For Her Sins, The Strangers Part 1 & 2) in the lead role of Joanna—a mother determined to escape her past and safeguard her future. Joining her are 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 are Tamzin Griffin, Alex Waldmann, and Okezie Morro.

In search of a peaceful new beginning, Joanna relocates to the quiet coastal town of Flinstead with her young son, Alfie. But the town's calm façade masks a darker undercurrent. When Joanna hears a disturbing rumour—that a convicted child killer may be living among them under a new identity—she shares it in an effort to connect with the local mums. What begins as idle gossip soon spirals into a community-wide frenzy of fear and suspicion.

As paranoia intensifies and long-buried secrets surface, Joanna finds herself at the centre of a storm she never intended to create. With trust crumbling and fear spreading like wildfire, she begins to question both the town’s history and her own judgment. Who is telling the truth? And what price will she pay to uncover it?

The Rumour is a chilling and thought-provoking drama that explores the corrosive power of fear and the devastating impact of a single whisper. The series is based on the Sunday Times bestselling novel by Lesley Kara, with rights secured by Emily Hayward Whitlock of The Artists Partnership in association with Amanda Preston at LBA Books.

A co-production from Cuba Pictures and Clapperboard, in association with Fremantle (which will handle international distribution), The Rumour was commissioned by Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, Channel 5, who executive produces alongside Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer, Paramount UK. Executive producers also include Dixie Linder and Nick Marston (Chemistry of Death, McMafia) for Cuba Pictures, and Rachel Gesua, Suzi McIntosh, and Mike Benson for Clapperboard.

Richard Clark (Doctor Who, Chemistry of Death, War of the Worlds) directs, with writing and executive production by Giula Sandler (The House Across the Street, White House Farm). Dominic Barlow (The Mallorca Files, Mr Selfridge) serves as producer.

The Rumour will premiere this autumn on Channel 5 and will be available to stream.