The Wives creator explains how Daphne du Maurier inspired Channel 5 thriller

The Wives creator explains how Daphne du Maurier inspired Channel 5 thriller

As a film enthusiast with a penchant for gripping thrillers and complex family dramas, I can confidently say that The Wives, airing on Channel 5 starting September 16th, is right up my alley. With its star-studded cast led by Angela Griffin, Tamzin Outhwaite, Jo Joyner, Christine Bottomley, and Katie Clarkson-Hill, this series promises a tantalizing exploration of sisterhood, friendship, and the intrigue that surrounds a family mystery.


On the 16th of September, starting on Channel 5, the gripping thriller “The Wives” will be broadcast, featuring Angela Griffin, Tamzin Outhwaite, and Jo Joyner in the roles of three sisters-in-law and close friends who band together to unravel a family secret.

A year ago, when Annabelle (Christine Bottomley), the sister-in-law of our character, tragically passed away and it was determined as an accident, things took a suspicious turn when her widower began courting a woman who bore a striking resemblance to her deceased spouse.

In discussing the source of her inspiration, the show’s creator and author, Helen Black (Time), mentioned Daphne du Maurier‘s 1938 novel “Rebecca.” This novel was later turned into a film by Alfred Hitchcock, and more recently, Ben Wheatley adapted it for Netflix.

“The previous wife is spoken about with such deference and is held up as an angel, yet funnily enough the husband quickly finds a new partner, which arouses suspicions,” said Black.

An intriguing aspect I’ve noticed is the point in life where certain friends experience divorce or loss of a spouse, followed by the introduction of a new romantic partner.

Black commended Katie Clarkson-Hill’s debut as the fresh collaborator, Jade, taking over from Annabelle.

She expressed her admiration for the character Jade in ‘The Wives’, stating how boldly she joins their group and finds them all quite eccentric,” she remarked.

“She finds them completely underwhelming, and it’s remarkable how skillfully Katie portrays indifference. Jade perceives the family in their true light.

The Wives creator explains how Daphne du Maurier inspired Channel 5 thriller

Throughout the series, “the women collaborate and compete to solve the mystery and apprehend the wrongdoer” can be rephrased as “truths are revealed and evidence accumulates”, according to the official summary.

However, with officials suspected of corruption, powerful drug operations, and common criminals seemingly within reach, have they taken on a challenge that exceeds their capabilities?

In addition to Griffin, Outhwaite, and Joyner, the cast also features Jamie Bamber (from Beyond Paradise), Ben Willbond (known for Ghosts), and Jonathan Forbes (recognized from Catastrophe).

The Wives begins on Channel 5 and My5 on Monday 16th September at 9pm.

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2024-09-14 12:03