Eleanor Tomlinson and Matthew Lewis are joining the cast of psychological drama, The Family Secret (working title).
Currently filming in the North East, the Lonesome Pine production also features Rebecca Front, Stephen Tompkinson, Danielle Walters, Callum Woodhouse, Paula Wilcox, Denis Lawson and Nina Wadia.
The 4 x 60 minute series, which is being made in association with Sphere Abacus and North East Screen, asks what if your past isn’t what you think it is?
Eleanor Tomlinson (One Day, Poldark) stars as Amanda Blakefield, whose life is a happy one with her husband, Jimmy played by Matthew Lewis (Harry Potter, All Creatures Great and Small), and their son Luke, played by newcomer James Younger.
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But Amanda has her world shattered when she is left an enormous inheritance by a man she has neither met nor heard of before.
Her life begins to fall apart as she becomes embroiled in the world of The Worrall Family. The patriarch Martin Worrall, played by Denis Lawson (Bleak House, New Tricks), is head of a family which is bound in secrets. As Amanda’s story leads her further and further into the Northumbrian countryside, she begins to unravel the past. And all of their lives are turned upside down.
The series was commissioned by Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, 5. Lesley Douglas will Produce for Lonesome Pine, alongside Ellie Hill.
Executive Producers for Sphere Abacus are Jonathan Ford and Will Stapley. Gayle Woodruffe manages the Production Fund on behalf of North East Screen.
The writer is Aschlin Ditta (The Feud, The Inheritance, Doc Martin) with Andy de Emmony (Vigil, The Feud, The Nest) directing.
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“The Family Secret explores the fragility of family and the ripple effects of long-buried truths, all anchored by a brilliant cast led by Eleanor Tomlinson,” said Testar.
“This is a drama that promises to keep audiences hooked from the very first minute and we’re delighted to work with Lonesome Pine again after the success of The Inheritance and The Feud.”
Currently filming in the North East, it’s set to air in 2026.
