The Drowning: what is the new Channel 5 series about, when is it on TV and who is in the cast with Jill Halfpenny?

Channel 5 has teased us with the promise of a new thrilling drama, set to be released in the next few weeks.

‘The Drowning’ features an all-star cast, exciting storyline and seasoned writers -a recipe for thrilling success.

But what is it about,and when can we watch it? Here is what we know so far.

What is ‘The Drowning’ about?

The latest series from channel 5 tells the fictional story of a mother, Jodie, whose son disappeared eight years ago.

When a teenage boy shows up in her town, she is convinced that he, Daniel, is her long lost son.

However, everything is not as it seems and Jodie goes to great lengths to discover the truth.

While she drives herself to the edge of reason in search of answers, only her brother Jason supports her.

The four-part series follows her on a journey to find her missing son, by any means necessary.

Who is in the cast?

Actress and Strictly winner Jill Halfpenny stars in the leading role of Jodie, having previously played Kate Mitchell in Eastenders and Rebecca Hopkins in Coronation Street.

She is joined by Rupert Penry-Jones (Whitechapel, Spooks) who stars as Daniel’s father, Mark, an architect who is less open to expressing his emotions and fears over the fate of his son.

Jodie is supported by her brother and confidant, Jason, played by The Bay’s Jonas Armstrong.

Daniel, the is-he-isn’t-he son of Jodie and Mark, is played by Cody Molko - son of Placebo frontman Brian Molko.

The Split’s Deborah Findlay joins the cast as Jodie’s mother Lynn - the pair have a tumultuous relationship.

Who are the producers of ‘The Drowning’?

The show is produced by Unstoppable Film & Television, led by Noel Clarke and Jason Maza.

Emmerdale writer Tim Dynevor is the husband of Coronation Street’s Sally and father of Phoebe Dynevor, who recently shot to stardom as lead-actress Daphne Bridgerton in Netflix period drama Bridgerton.

He co-wrote ‘The Drowning’ with creators Francesca Brill and Luke Watson. The series was shot in Dublin in 2020.

When will it be on TV?

It has not yet been confirmed when the series will be aired on channel 5, though it is scheduled for early February.

The series will reportedly air on four consecutive nights, meaning the story won’t be drawn out for a month.