UK's 5 reveals nine new scripted series for 2025

5 has announced a raft of new series and returning commissions as it continues to add to its ever-growing drama portfolio. From thrillers and to historical sagas, the channel continues to deliver compelling British drama for its viewers. Commenting on the bolstered slate, Deputy Chief Content Officer and Head of Scripted, Paramount UK, Sebastian Cardwell said: “We’re incredibly proud to unveil this new slate of scripted commissions, which showcases the breadth and ambition of 5’s storytelling. From brand new thrillers and character-driven mysteries to the much-anticipated return of audience favourites, we’re continuing to build a rich and distinctive drama offering. These titles reflect our commitment to delivering compelling, accessible British drama that resonates with viewers across the UK. We look forward to announcing further titles in the coming months.”

The first of the six-strong brand new commissions is “Number One Fan” (4x60’), from Clapperboard; a suspenseful thriller set in the world of daytime TV. The series focuses on morning show presenter Lucy, who is saved from an attack by a strange woman named Donna who claims to be her “number one fan.” Lucy’s gratitude quickly sours when Donna’s fandom turns into a darker obsession infiltrating Lucy’s career, family and friends. To her horror Lucy comes to realise that Donna has a link to a hidden secret in her past which threatens to derail the career she has so carefully curated. The series was greenlit by Sebastian Cardwell.

The second addition to the slate is “Missed Call” (5x60’), a five-part thriller from French production company Pernel Media; the creators of 5 drama “The Au Pair.” After a worrying late-night missed call from her daughter on a school exchange, single mother Sarah travels to the idyllic French village her daughter is meant to be staying in. However, Sarah arrives to find the host family and local police disturbingly unconcerned. Dismissed as a typical teenage disappearance, Katie’s case is ignored — but Sarah knows something is wrong. Her search spirals into a tense and dangerous race against time to uncover the truth before it’s too late. The series was ordered by Sebastian Cardwell and Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, 5.

“The Family Secret” (4x60’) is a gripping psychological drama that asks: what if your past isn’t what you think it is? When an unexpected inheritance disrupts Amanda Wilkins’ seemingly ordinary world, she is drawn into a compelling mystery that forces her to question everything she thought she knew. The series is produced by Lonesome Pine, in association with Sphere Abacus who will distribute it internationally. Paul Testar greenlit the series.

Next is “Imposter” (4x60’) starring Kym Marsh and Jackie Woodburne. Produced by Fremantle Australia for 5, the series was ordered by Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor, 5. Fremantle is handling global sales. 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 Amanda suddenly appears, Helen welcomes her with open arms — but is Amanda who she says she is? The lucrative hotel becomes the ultimate prize in a twisted scheme that spirals into betrayal and murder. The series is set to begin production in Victoria, Australia this summer.

5 is also adapting detective mystery “Cooper and Fry” (4x120’) from the best-selling novels by Stephen Booth. Set in the mystery-shrouded Peak District, the series follows two mismatched young detectives: affable local Ben Cooper, played by Robert James-Collier, and guarded newcomer Diane Fry, played by Mandip Gill. Thrown together to investigate a string of mysterious deaths, they must learn to work together to get results. As their personal lives begin to intertwine, a unique friendship forms. The series will adapt four of Booth’s early novels: “Black Dog,” “Dying to Sin,” “Blind To the Bones” and “Dancing with the Virgins.” The series is produced by Clapperboard in association with and distributed by STUDIO TF1, and was ordered by Paul Testar.

A co-production from Blackbox Multimedia and Clapperboard is “Death in Benidorm” w/t (6x60’). Former detective Dennis Crown has swapped the chaos of the UK for a quieter life running a bar in Benidorm. But when tourists start turning up dead, he’s reluctantly drawn back into detective work — egged on by his barmaid Rosa, a crime drama superfan. With Dennis’s real-world experience and Rosa’s encyclopaedic TV knowledge, each episode sees the duo tackling a new murder in paradise while trying to remain on the right side of the local Spanish cops. The series was greenlit by Greg Barnett with ZDF Studios as international distributor.

5 has also announced that the rags-to-riches family saga “The Hardacres” (6x60’) will return for a second season. From Playground, in association with Screen Ireland and Red Berry Productions, Banijay Rights handles international sales. Following the first series, which chronicled the Hardacre family’s rise from poverty to staggering wealth, the new season follows them as they settle into Hardacre Hall and turn their attention to reshaping the world around them. The series was commissioned by Sebastian Cardwell and Paul Testar.

Continuing the anthology series started in 2022 with Sheridan Smith and most recently Kara Tointon in 2024, 5 also revealed “The Teacher” will return for a third instalment. The cast includes Victoria Hamilton as Helen, a respected drama teacher struggling to keep up with modern expectations in a private school. When she stumbles over a student’s pronouns and insists her class study Shakespeare instead of more progressive works, a sinister grudge match develops. After a student’s suicide, Helen is blackmailed, and her world unravels as she fights to hold on to her family and career. The series is produced by Clapperboard in association with and distributed by STUDIO TF1. It was ordered by Sebastian Cardwell and Greg Barnett.

Finally, much-loved crime drama “The Madame Blanc Mysteries” created by and starring Sally Lindsay will return for a feature-length Christmas special this year. Clapperboard and Saffron Cherry Productions co-produce with Acorn Media Enterprises as international distributor. Sally Lindsay will return as Jean White alongside the ensemble cast for this festive feature.