If you’ve ever been lied to, you’ll likely want to know about the gripping new psychological thriller coming to ITV. Fake is the "bone-chilling" romance scam story that broke records when it was released on Paramount+ Australia last year and, much to our excitement, it’s finally coming to the UK.
Inspired by Stephanie Wood’s 2019 memoir of the same name, the eight-part series follows Birdie Bell (Asher Keddie), a magazine writer who meets Joe Burt (David Wenham) on a dating app and thinks she’s found her perfect match. Only Birdie's new boyfriend isn’t exactly who he's led her to believe he is...
Ahead of the series landing on ITV and ITVX, here's everything you need to know about the psychological thriller that's almost certainly going to be our next TV obsession...
What is Fake about?
As we mentioned, the series is based on the memoir of the same name by journalist Stephanie Wood, who found herself in a relationship with a serial scammer. At the centre of the story is Birdie Bell (Asher Keddie) who meets wealthy grazier Joe Burt David Wenham on a dating app. So far, so normal.
Only Joe isn’t exactly who he portrays himself to be. And, as the relationship intensifies, so too do Birdie's suspicions. Torn between Joe’s magnetic pull and the feeling that her boyfriend isn’t who he’s led her to believe he is, can she escape the rabbit hole she’s rapidly falling down?
Imogen Banks, Emelyne Palmer, and co-producer Asher Keddie, have called the series "an intimate and exhilarating exploration of the illusions life lays out for us, through both the lies we are told and the lies we tell ourselves.
"In her compelling memoir, Stephanie Wood poses the question; what leads people to deny their instincts? This inquiry lies at the heart of Fake as we journey into the depths of our protagonist Birdie Bell’s psyche, and explore how the narratives instilled in us from childhood create fertile ground for deception to thrive."
Who's starring in Fake?
The cast of Fake includes:
- Asher Keddie as Birdie Bell
- David Wenham as Joe Burt
- Nicholas Brown as Anton
- Heather Mitchell as Margeaux
- Louisa Mignone as Peggy
- Anne Charleston as Shirley Burt
- Ming-Zhu Hii as Kirsty
- Jack Sandle as Connor
- Spencer McLaren as Tovey
- Janet Andrewartha as Kath Tovey
Is Fake any good?
The fact that Fake broke records in when it was released on Paramount+ Australia last year would suggest it is. It was officially the biggest first week launch of a local drama since Paramount+ in Australia came into fruition. There's also the fact that the series has a pretty brilliant storyline and will no doubt be relatable to just about anyone who’s ever been lied to.
How can I watch Fake?
ITV hasn't yet confirmed a release date for Fake, but as soon as we have one, we'll share it here.
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