The Imposter on Channel 5 review: Suspend disbelief for this soapy thriller from Neighbours writer starting tonight
Kym Marsh leads the cast as morally ambiguous 'Amanda'
The Imposter is the brand new thriller landing on TV this week, and it’s as bonkers as Channel 5 thrillers get – which isn’t always a bad thing. Find out why in our review.
Previous offerings from the broadcaster have included Robson Green and Jason Watkins in The Game, Gaynor Faye in The Inheritance, and Jill Halfpenny in The Feud. All a bit bonkers, all a bit silly, but all thoroughly enjoyable.
So does The Imposter match up? It certainly promises to. From Neighbours writer Jason Herbison, this four-part thriller brings together three iconic soap actresses in a beautiful setting. Read on for our review of The Imposter on Channel 5.
The Imposter review: Is it worth watching?
Channel 5’s latest thriller The Imposter starts with a simple premise. A woman is reunited with her long lost daughter after decades apart. Hotel manager Helen O’Riley gave her child up for adoption more than 40 years ago, and is thrilled and surprised when her daughter Amanda turns up out of the blue.
But why has Amanda turned up now? Just as Helen’s health is starting to fail, and her other three grown-up children (from a later marriage) are keen for her to sell the hotel…?
Is Amanda too good to be true? Well, yes. There’s a clue in the name, after all!
The C5 series brings together a cast of famous faces known mostly for their soap roles. Kym Marsh, Jackie Woodburne, and Dannii Minogue all play crucial roles in the thriller created by Jason Herbison. Throw in the beautiful filming locations of Australia’s Victoria, and this soapy thriller will certainly provide a welcome escapism perfect for the dark winter nights.
‘Panto comes early this Christmas’
Like most thrillers, there’s good and bad here – and we’re not just talking about the motives of the characters. It’s rare to find a thriller that has a believable storyline, and you certainly won’t find one here.
The Imposter doesn’t feel the need to flesh out its characters. After all, you’re going to spend less than four hours of your life watching it. There’s a 2D panto-villain that is perfect for the festive season, and you’ll want to shout “she’s behind you” every time Amanda appears on screen.
But, if you like a good page-turner, then this is the TV equivalent. Don’t ask too much of this thriller, and it won’t ask too much of you. You don’t need to have a high IQ to keep up with the twists and turns here, it’s a “sit back and enjoy the ride” type of show.
If you can suspend disbelief, The Imposter will entertain you. It’s not going to win a BAFTA, but it’s sexy, fun, and comes to a satisfying end that will no doubt leave you punching the air with glee.
The Imposter Channel 5 review: Dannii Minogue is back!
Dannii Minogue plays the real Amanda in the cast of The Imposter on Channel 5, and describes the thriller as “juicy”.
It’s actually her first acting role on TV for decades, since playing Didi in the 1992 film Secrets. That alone is worth tuning in for. Like her two co-stars Jackie Woodburn and Kym Marsh, Dannii Minogue cut her teeth on soaps, so we’re in safe hands.
Now 54, she was actually born in Victoria, where The Imposter was filmed. She made her name playing Emma Jackson in Aussie soap Home and Away between 1989 and 1990, while her sister Kylie Minogue rose to fame portraying Charlene Mitchell in rival soap Neighbours. Like her older sis, Dannii then went on to pursue a singing career.
We’ve got to say, it’s great to have her back on our screens – even though her screen time is very brief! She brings a real glamour to the show, and her character’s elusiveness feels just right. You’ll be waiting a few hours to see her. But, when you do – in the climatic final episode – it’ll be worth the wait.
