Channel 5 has officially announced that its highly anticipated new drama, Number One Fan, will premiere later this year. The suspenseful thriller, set in the cut-throat world of daytime television, promises to deliver a chilling tale of obsession and hidden secrets.
A Stellar Cast for a Dark Tale
The production boasts a powerhouse cast led by two of British television's most acclaimed actresses. Jill Halfpenny, recently seen in Paramount+'s Girl Taken, takes on the role of Lucy, a beloved and ambitious morning show host described as a "national treasure" with a ruthlessly ambitious streak beneath her charming exterior.
Portraying the enigmatic Donna is Sally Lindsay, star of The Madame Blanc Mysteries. Donna initially appears as a timid saviour who rescues Lucy from a brutal attack, declaring herself Lucy's biggest admirer. However, her devotion soon morphs into a dangerous and all-consuming fixation.
The Sinister Plot Unfolds
The drama's plot centres on the disturbing relationship that develops after the attack. Lucy's initial gratitude towards her rescuer quickly sours as Donna's actions escalate from fandom into outright stalking. The obsessive behaviour begins to infiltrate every aspect of Lucy's life, threatening her successful career, her family relationships, and her closest friendships.
The tension reaches new heights when Lucy uncovers a shocking revelation: Donna is connected to a long-buried secret from Lucy's own past. This discovery puts Lucy's meticulously constructed public persona and professional standing in grave jeopardy.
Production Excitement and Current Projects
Mike Benson, Managing Director of Clapperboard and the show's executive producer, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. "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," he said. "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."
The announcement arrives as Jill Halfpenny continues to receive acclaim for her role in Girl Taken, a Paramount+ series about a mother whose twin daughter is abducted. Reflecting on such intense roles, Halfpenny previously told RadioTimes.com about the long-term impact of trauma, noting the complex process victims undergo to "unpick what happened" and move forward.
Number One Fan is scheduled to air on Channel 5 in late 2026, marking a major addition to the channel's drama slate with its compelling blend of psychological tension and television industry intrigue.
