The Rumour cast: Full guide to actors in 5’s twisted new drama

In the fictional world of Flinstead, gossip can be a real killer as The Rumour kicks off on 5.

For newly-arrived mom Joanna (Rachel Shenton), listening to a local gossip about a potential town murderer offers her an opportunity to join the schoolyard mothers’ circle.

But instead it opens up a can of worms that could tear the entire town apart.

In the midst of growing distrust and suspicion, events become increasingly ominous, making it challenging for her to determine who among those around her is reliable. However, various paths keep leading back to the mothers and their supposed knowledge.

Interested in knowing who’s who in The Rumour? Let me walk you through the characters and their roles in this gripping story.

The Rumour cast: Who plays who in the 5 drama?

Below, you’ll find the principal characters from “The Rumor”. Dive into the subsequent sections for a comprehensive overview of each character and the performer portraying them, along with their previous roles you may recognize. Enjoy!

Rachel Shenton as Joanna
Joanne Whalley as Bea
Emily Atack as Debbie
Samuel Anderson as Michael
Ellie Haddington as Liz
Carryl Thomas as Fatima
Lucy Speed as Rachel

Rachel Shenton plays Joanna

In simpler terms, Joanna is a caring mother who relocates from London to Flinstead along with her son Alfie, seeking a fresh start. She often worries excessively and this trait leads her into an uncomfortable situation when she unintentionally spreads a rumor that sets off a series of events with potentially harmful consequences.

In my world of entertainment, I’ve come to know Rachel Shenton quite well. She’s a talented English actress, screenwriter, and even an Oscar-winning director. Her journey began when she played Mitzeee Minniver on the popular Channel 4 show Hollyoaks from 2010 to 2013. Post her time on that soap opera, she made a splash in several critically acclaimed TV dramas like Switched at Birth, White Gold, and For Her Sins.

In 2018, she received an Academy Award for her best short film, titled “The Silent Child.” This movie is about a six-year-old child who learns to communicate using sign language. Currently, she plays the role of Helen Alderson in the latest version of the period drama series “All Creatures Great and Small,” which started airing in 2020.

Joanne Whalley plays Bea

Bea is the person known as Joanna’s mother, who lived in Flinstead with her partner, Liz, prior to Joanna settling there. They have a complicated yet supportive relationship, where she can push Joanna’s buttons – but their bond is grounded in affection.

Joanne Whalley is a well-known actress from Britain, who has made appearances in many notable movies and TV shows such as the 1988 cult favorite “Willow,” the educational series “How We Used to Live” between 1986 and 1989, and more recently, “Gossip Girl,” “The Borgias,” “Wolf Hall,” “The White Princess,” and “Daredevil.

In 2023, she reprised her role of Sorsha in Disney Plus’s Willow sequel series.

Emily Atack plays Debbie

What’s Debbie like? Debbie is known as the popular mom among the school community, always exuding confidence and perfectly filtered images on social media. She is Liam’s mother and would go to great lengths for him. However, beneath her polished exterior lies a deeply troubled individual.

Emily Atack is an actress and television host who became well-known for portraying Charlotte Hinchcliffe in the Channel 4 teen sitcom The Inbetweeners. Later, she finished second on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2018, served as a regular team captain on Celebrity Juice from 2020 to 2022, and helmed her own sketch show titled The Emily Atack Show. Currently, you can watch her on Disney+’s Rivals where she plays Sarah Stratton.

Samuel Anderson plays Michael

Michael is known as Joanna’s former partner and the dad of Alfie. Before the series began, he worked on oil rigs, often spending long periods away from home to support his family financially. He’s particularly fond of his son.

As a cinephile reflecting on the vibrant world of acting, let me tell you about my encounter with Samuel Anderson – a London-bred thespian who burst onto the scene in 2004 as part of Alan Bennett’s groundbreaking play, The History Boys, sharing the stage with the likes of James Corden, Dominic Cooper, and Russell Tovey. Fast forward to his reunion with Corden for the beloved series Gavin and Stacey, where he brought Fingers, the charismatic Essex lad, to life. From 2007 through 2009, Anderson left an indelible mark on Emmerdale as Ross Kirk before diving into the TARDIS as Danny Pink in Doctor Who in 2014. His extensive resume also includes leading roles in Trollied, Another Life, Landscapers, and Amandaland, making Samuel Anderson a true force to be reckoned with in the realm of British television.

Ellie Haddington plays Liz

Liz is Bea’s long-term companion, deeply rooted within the community as an artist. She enjoys a contented existence in town and cherishes her life there, yet has some reservations about Bea’s daughter relocating to the same town.

Ellie Haddington is a renowned Scottish actress, who gained recognition in the UK by portraying Josie Clarke on Coronation Street from 1995 to 1996. After that, she made her way into Hollywood, featuring in movies like Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Operation Mincemeat, and Enola Holmes. On the small screen, you might have spotted her in shows such as Foyle’s War, Bad Girls, Ripper Street, and Guilt.

Carryl Thomas plays Fatima

Who is Fatima? Fatima is another of the mothers in the concerned group.

Apart from her work on soap operas like ITV’s Emmerdale, BBC One’s EastEnders, and 5’s Family Affairs, Carryl Thomas has also been seen in other shows such as the sci-fi thriller Silo, Doctor Who spin-off The Sarah Jane Adventures, and the long-running crime drama Silent Witness. Is there anything specific you would like to know about her roles in these other productions?

Lucy Speed plays Rachel

As a fellow community member, I’ve recently encountered a remarkable woman named Rachel. Despite being new here, she has found camaraderie with Joanna that surpasses the bonds among other school moms. Unlike some, she steers clear of playground chatter, choosing instead to follow her own rhythm. In her professional life, she takes on an extraordinary role – a prison guard.

As a seasoned movie critic, I’ve come across many talented performers, but one that particularly stands out is Lucy Speed. This English actress gained considerable recognition for her portrayal of Natalie Evans in BBC’s EastEnders from 1994 to 2004, and later as DC Stevie Moss on The Bill from 2008 to 2010. More recently, she’s added another remarkable role to her repertoire, playing Stella Pryor on the radio soap opera, The Archers, since 2021. Not only has Lucy graced our screens and airwaves, but she’s also made her mark on the stage with credits in theatre productions such as Blackmail and Steel Magnolias.

The Rumour starts Wednesday 10th September at 9pm on 5.

Consider adding ‘The Rumor’ to your watchlist through the TopMob: TV Guide & Recommendations app. You can download it today for personalized daily TV suggestions, exclusive features, and much more.

2025-09-10 12:06