The Family Secret is a new Channel 5 drama “exploring the fragility of family and the ripple effects of long-buried truths”.

Anyone who has visited TVGuide.co.uk before will know we are big fans of a C5 drama. Some of our favourites have included The Inheritance, The Wives, and The Game. Although they can be a little far-fetched sometimes, no one can say that they aren’t hellishly entertaining!

You just have to suspend disbelief and enjoy the ride! The Family Secret seems to have the same magic formula – a “gripping plot” and a killer cast. Here’s everything you need to know, including plot, cast, start date, and al the latest news…

What is The Family Secret on Channel 5 about?

Channel 5 has announced a brand new psychological drama called The Family Secret. They describe it as “a gripping, psychological drama that asks: what if your past isn’t what you think it is?”

We meet wife and mum Amanda Blakefield. Her life seems to be a happy one with her husband, Jimmy, and their son Luke.

However, Amanda has her world shattered after she is left an enormous inheritance by a man she has neither met nor heard of before.

The synopsis tells us: “Her life starts to disintegrate as she becomes embroiled in the world of The Worrall Family. The patriarch Martin Worrall is head of a family which is bound in past 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.”

How many episodes is it?

The Family Secret on Channel 5 will be four episodes of 60 minutes each.

This follows the pattern of previous C5 series, including The Inheritance, The Game, The Drowning, and The Teacher. Short and sweet!

Who’s in the cast?

Actress Eleanor Tomlinson stars as Amanda Blakefield. She’s probably best known for playing Demelza Poldark in the period drama Poldark, and has gone on to portray Lady Gabriella Penrose-Howe in comedy series The Outlaws. She’ll soon appear in Channel 5’s new adaptation of The Forsyte Saga.

Matthew Lewis plays her husband Jimmy. He’s currently playing Canon Daniel Clement in Murder Before Evensong, the Channel 5/Acorn adaptation of Rev Richard Coles’ book of the same name. Of course, before that he was famous for playing Neville Longbottom in all of the Harry Potter movies.

Their son Luke is played by newcomer James Younger, in his first ever TV role.

Denis Lawson stars as patriarch Martin Worrall. He’s been on our screens for five decades, and is famous for his roles in New Tricks, Bleak House, and Holby City. The actor has been in multiple films, too, including several of the Star Wars films in which he played Wedge.

Further cast include The Thick of It’s Rebecca Front as Martin’s wife Fiona.

Callum Woodhouse – known from All Creatures Great and Small, and The Durrells – plays Martin’s son Anthony.

Stephen Tompkinson joins as farm worker Boots Maddison. He’s not on TV half as much as he used to be, and last played David Gee in the 2023 crime drama The Long Shadow. He’s known for his roles in Drop the Dead Donkey, Ballykissangel, Trollied, DCI Banks, and Wild at Heart.

Paula Wilcox – aka Elaine Jones in Corrie – plays Amanda’s mother Linda, while Chewing Gum star Danielle Walters portrays Amanda’s best friend Sandy. Lastly, former EastEnders actress Nina Wadia will portray solicitor Laura.

‘The ripple effects of long-buried truths’

Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor of Channel 5 said: “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.

“This is a drama that promises to keep audiences hooked from the very first minute. A we’re delighted to work with Lonesome Pine again after the success of The Inheritance and The Feud.”

When’s the start date? How can I watch?

The Family Secret is currently filming across the North East of England.

It is set to air on Channel 5 in 2026. Watch this space for more info when we get it.

Read more: Missed Call on Channel 5 is a ‘powerful story’ about ‘every mother’s worst fear’ which will star Joanna Scanlan

The Family Secret will air on Channel 5 in 2026.