ITV announced that the critically acclaimed romance-scam thriller "Fake" is set to air exclusively on ITV1 and ITVX in April, bringing the gripping eight-part series to UK audiences. All episodes will be available on ITVX from Sunday, April 20, while ITV1 will broadcast the series weekly on Saturday nights, starting April 26. Lionsgate licensed the series to ITV1 and ITVX.
The series was created by screenwriter Anya Beyersdorf and directed by Emma Freeman ("Love Me," "The Newsreader," "Tidelands"), with additional direction from Jennifer Leacey ("The Secrets She Keeps") and Taylor Ferguson ("Tough"). Produced by Kindling Pictures, the series is led by Imogen Banks ("Safe Home," "Offspring"), Emelyne Palmer ("Safe Home," "RFDS"), and co-produced by Asher Keddie. Sophia Mogford, Head of Scripted Content & Comedy for Paramount Australia and New Zealand, serves as executive producer. The series received major production investment from Paramount Australia and Screen Australia, with additional support from VicScreen. "Fake" premiered on Paramount+ in Australia, quickly establishing itself as a standout hit and becoming the platform’s #1 Australian original since its launch in 2021.
Inspired by the bestselling book of the same name by Stephanie Wood, "Fake" was created for television by acclaimed screenwriter Anya Beyersdorf ("The Twelve"). The series stars Asher Keddie ("Nine Perfect Strangers") as Birdie Bell, a magazine features writer who believes she has found her perfect match when she meets successful rancher Joe (David Wenham, "Pieces of Her") on a dating app. However, as their relationship deepens, Birdie finds herself torn between Joe’s magnetic charm and a growing suspicion that he is not who he claims to be.
Sasha Breslau, Head of Content Acquisitions at ITV, mentioned that the company has a strong track record with Australian productions: “We’ve got a great track record with Australian drama on ITVX. Anya Beyersdorf’s work on 'The Twelve' is a shining example of how well it resonates with our audiences, so we’re really looking forward to bringing her newest offering, 'Fake,' to the UK in 2025. It’s a gripping thriller, made for binge-watching," commented.
Finally, Agapy Kapouranis, President of International Television and Digital Distribution at Lionsgate Television, bet that audiences would enjoy the psychological drama: “We’re excited to partner with ITVX to bring this series to UK audiences. With a powerhouse cast led by Asher Keddie and David Wenham, 'Fake' is an enthralling psychological drama that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats," noted.