Channel 5 drama Love Rat films in Cyprus
Channel 5 has greenlit a new drama, Love Rat, which begins filming in Cyprus later this month starring Sally Lindsay, Neil Morrissey, Alexis Georgoulis and Ramon Tikaram.
Chalkboard’s scripted sister company, Clapperboard, is producing the 4 x 60 drama with eOne distributing internationally.
The psychological thriller follows recently-divorced Emma (Lindsay, right) as she enjoys a whirlwind holiday romance with charming hotel proprietor, Niko (Georgoulis, below) in Cyprus.
But when she realises that Niko and his partner-in-crime George (Tikaram), have scammed her out of her life savings, she embarks on a dangerous mission to get her money back, aided by ex-husband Pete (Morrissey).
Executive producers for Clapperboard are Mike Benson and Andy Morgan, with producer Jonathan Phillips. Polly Buckle is lead writer, and Katherine Churcher is attached as director.
Clapperboard regularly films original UK dramas abroad – The Teacher and Deadline were both shot in Hungary last year.
On joining the cast of Love Rat, Sally Lindsay said: “Love Rat is a brilliantly entertaining story, full of twists and surprises; it really turns the topic on its head which is what drew me to the project. Emma is an interesting and layered character that everyone will be rooting for as she takes control of her situation and her destiny.”
Sebastian Cardwell, deputy chief content officer, Paramount UK, said: “I’m really happy to work once more with the creative and talented team at Clapperboard Studios to bring Love Rat to screens, and with a stellar cast including Sally Lindsay, who our viewers know and love as Jean White in The Madame Blanc Mysteries and in Cold Call prior to that. Expanding Channel 5’s original drama slate, this psychological thriller promises to be one to remember.”
Mike Benson, MD Clapperboard, added: “In developing Love Rat we were determined to avoid some of the clichés and tropes you might expect when exploring such provocative subject matter. Polly and the team have done a brilliant job adding nuance, surprise and authenticity to the story and characters – and of course it’s lovely to be working once more with the multi-talented Sally Lindsay.”
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