Imposter on Channel 5: Start date, and plot of new 'bitter family dispute' thriller starring Kym Marsh

Helen Fear | 9:39am Fri 25 Jul | Updated 10:39am Fri 25 Jul

Imposter promises to be the next Channel 5 thriller to keep us entertained and there’s good reason to be hopeful as two soap legends have signed up.

The broadcaster has become quite notorious for its short dramas full of twists and turns. And this promises to be no different.

Basically, if you loved the recent four-parter The Game with Robson Green and Jason Watkins, you’ll like this.

Here’s everything you need to know about Imposter on Channel 5, including plot, cast, start date, location, and number of episodes.

Jason Manford and Kym Marsh in Waterloo Road S14

Kym Marsh, seen here with Jason Manford in Waterloo Road S14, will lead the cast of Imposter [Credit: BBC/Wall to Wall/Warner Brothers TV Production Services Ltd]

What’s the plot of Imposter on Channel 5?

Much like Channel 5 thrillers The Feud and The Inheritance, Imposter focuses on a family at war.

A synopsis tells us: “A splashy seaside hotel becomes the centre of a bitter family dispute as matriarch Helen refuses to sell, despite pressure from her three adult children. But Helen is hiding a secret: a daughter she gave up for adoption decades ago…”

When long lost child Amanda suddenly appears in Helen’s life, the mum welcomes her with open arms. But is Amanda who she says she is?

The lucrative hotel is the “ultimate prize” and a twisted scheme soon spirals into betrayal and ultimately, murder.

The announcement about the upcoming thriller came at the same time as some other exciting TV news, including a festive special of The Madame Blanc Mysteries, and a series 2 of The Hardacres.

How many episodes is it?

Imposter will be four episodes of one hour each.

This follows the format of previous Channel 5 thrillers, including The Teacher, and The Au Pair.

Where was Imposter on Channel 5 filmed?

The series is set to begin production in Victoria, Australia, this summer. So we can expect some pretty stunning locations.

The four-part series is being produced by Fremantle Australia for Channel 5.

Jackie Woodburne as Susan in Neighbours

Jackie Woodburne, famous for playing Susan in Neighbours, plays matriarch Helen in Imposter [Credit: Prime Video / FremantleMedia Australia]

Who’s in the cast?

At the moment, Channel has only released two names attached to the series. But, as TV actors go, they are two of the best.

Neighbours legend Jackie Woodburne will lead the cast as matriarch Helen. Of course, the Australian actress is most famous for playing Susan in the now axed soap.

Kym Marsh will play Helen’s daughter. But we don’t know which one yet. Watch this space for further cast announcements.

Like Jackie, Kym is perhaps best known for her soap role. She portrayed Michelle Connor in Coronation Street from 2006 to 2019. Since then, she’s hosted Morning Live, and appeared in Waterloo Road, and The Syndicate.

When’s the start date?

The series is set to begin production this summer, so it will be a while before it hits our screens.

Set a reminder for 2026, as that’s the earliest Imposter will land on Channel 5.

How can I watch it?

When it does arrive, Imposter will stream on Channel 5 and Channel5.com.

If you can’t wait, there are plenty of thrillers currently available to watch on the streaming channel. These include The Au Pair, starring David Suchet, and The Drowning with Jill Halfpenny.

Read more: Sally Lindsay confirms good news about future of cosy crime drama The Madame Blanc Mysteries

Imposter is expected to land on Channel 5 in 2026.