Two of British soap opera's most celebrated actresses are joining forces for a chilling new television drama that delves into the dark side of fame and obsession. Jill Halfpenny and Sally Lindsay, famed for their roles in Coronation Street and EastEnders, will take the lead in Channel 5's upcoming thriller 'Number One Fan'.
From Soap Legends to Thriller Leads
The drama, which has wrapped filming in Spain, is set within the high-pressure world of morning television. Jill Halfpenny, 50, stars as Lucy, the beloved presenter of 'Lucy Live' and a perceived national sweetheart. However, behind her on-screen smile lies a thoroughly ruthless character. Sally Lindsay, 52, portrays Donna, a seemingly mousy and harmless obsessed fan.
Halfpenny is known to soap fans for playing Rebecca Hopkins in Coronation Street (1999-2000) and later Kate Mitchell in EastEnders (2002-2005). Lindsay starred as Shelley Unwin on the Coronation Street cobbles from 2001 to 2006. This marks the first time the two powerhouse performers have shared the screen in the same project.
A Story of Gratitude Turning to Terror
The plot of 'Number One Fan' takes a sinister turn when Donna saves Lucy from an attack. Lucy's initial gratitude rapidly sours as Donna's admiration morphs into a dangerous fixation that begins to threaten the presenter's career, family, and friendships. The situation escalates further when Lucy discovers that Donna is connected to a long-buried secret from her past, the exposure of which could destroy everything she has built.
Mike Benson, Managing Director for Clapperboard and Executive Producer on the series, expressed his excitement: "We've obviously worked numerous times with two of the most talented actresses in the country in Sally and Jill – but never before in the same show. Seeing them both together on screen – and in two very surprising roles – is something I know viewers will be every bit as excited about as we are."
Channel 5's Push for Provocative Drama
The thriller is scheduled to air on Channel 5 later this year and follows the huge success of Netflix's Baby Reindeer, another series inspired by real-life stalking. This announcement is part of a concerted push by the broadcaster into bold, factual-inspired drama.
Just last week, Channel 5 confirmed a separate two-part factual drama titled 'Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards', with Martin Clunes set to play the disgraced former BBC newsreader. That production, focusing on Edwards's double life and subsequent conviction for making indecent images of children, is currently in post-production and likely to broadcast in the Spring.
Since their soap days, both Halfpenny and Lindsay have enjoyed prolific careers. Jill Halfpenny has appeared in series like Waterloo Road, The Feud, and In The Club. Sally Lindsay has starred in Mount Pleasant, Still Open All Hours, and the miniseries Cold Call.
