Kara Tointon leads new psychological thriller The Hunted for Channel 5
Tointon is joined in the cast by Allen Leech and Taj Atwal.
Former EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing star Kara Tointon is set to lead a brand new four-part thriller on Channel 5, called The Hunted (working title).
The series will follow Tointon's Rachel, a young single mother to son Liam who is living on the poverty line but working all hours of the day as a cleaner to give him the best life she can.
When her boss is approached by a businesswoman acting for an extremely wealthy client called Elliot, Rachel is asked to clean for Elliot exclusively for better pay and less hours.
However, Elliot’s behaviour towards Rachel and Liam becomes increasingly controlling, and when Rachel starts to dig into his past, she uncovers a dark and disturbing story from his childhood that explains his obsession with them.
Starring alongside Tointon will be Charlie Hodson-Prior (Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical) as her son Liam, Allen Leech (Downton Abbey) as Elliot, Sara Powell (Doctor Who) as his associate Simone, and Taj Atwal (Hullraisers) as Jasmine, Rachel’s best friend and colleague.
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Meanwhile, John Thomson (Professor T) will also feature as Rachel’s boss Geoff. The series is set to begin filming on location in Ireland this month. It comes from Story Films, the production company behind Deceit and The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe.
Sebastian Cardwell, Paramount's deputy chief content officer for the UK, said: “I’m delighted to be working on another project with the talented team at Story Films. Equipped with a compelling script and stellar cast, The Hunted (w/t) is another exciting addition to our ever-growing Drama slate.”
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Tointon became known for her role as Dawn Swann in EastEnders, but last year admitted that she can't see herself returning to the soap.
She said: "Every year I get asked about it. It’s the thing I’m most known for, that I was most watched in, but I really enjoy doing lots of other things so I can’t see it, no."
The Hunted will air on Channel 5 in 2023. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on.
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Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
