Channel 5 has commissioned a new four-part thriller, Witness No.3 (4 x 60”) produced by Story Films in association with All3Media International, set to air in 2022.
Leading the cast of Witness No.3 is Nina Toussaint-White (The Sister, Bodyguard) who plays Jodie, a single mum who runs a hairdressing salon. One day at work, Jodie momentarily glances out of the window and in a split second her life descends into freefall. What she notices seems innocuous – two men walking on the opposite side of the road – but she’s actually witnessed a killer and his victim moments before he is murdered.
When the police make an appeal, Jodie does the right thing and comes forward, believing her information to be of little consequence. She’s surprised when detectives decide to keep her identity secret, referring to her as ‘Witness No.3’, and then it becomes clear why. The killer is a key player in the local gang and Jodie’s evidence could send him to prison. What unfolds is a terrifying campaign of intimidation to silence her.
Joining the ensemble cast for the series is Sion Daniel Young (Deceit, The Left Behind), who plays P.C Ivan Barkas. He’s assigned to protect Jodie when she becomes the significant witness. Clare Dunne (Kin, Herself) is Detective Whelan, an officer investigating the murder. Ruaridh Mollica (Stonemouth, Tell It to the Bees) is Po, one of the local gang members terrorizing Jodie and her family.
Sue Johnston (The Royle Family, Downton Abbey) is Jodie’s mother Cathy, with whom she has a close-knit relationship and newcomer Cole Martin is Kyle, Jodie’s son.
Upcoming screenwriter Thomas Eccleshare has written the series, and Diarmuid Goggins (Kin, Silent Witness, Bulletproof) will serve as director. Alex Jones (Penance) also joins the crew as Producer. All3 Media International will handle global sales.
The series was commissioned by Deputy Director of Programmes, ViacomCBS Networks UK, Seb Cardwell; Executive Producers are David Nath for Story Films and David Collins (Samson Films).
On the commission and casting news, Deputy Director of Programmes, ViacomCBS Networks UK, Seb Cardwell said: “2021 has seen Channel 5 have another exciting year of Drama, with our thrillers continuing to capture the attention of viewers. Witness No. 3 is a gripping addition to our 2022 slate, and the series will be a ‘must watch’ when it airs next year on Channel 5.”
“Thomas Eccleshare has written a compelling thriller, oozing with paranoia and claustrophobia, which poses a simple question: How far are you prepared to go to do the right thing?” adds David Nath, Executive Producer, Story Films.
Witness No. 3 is the latest Drama from Channel 5 to be announced following the broadcaster’s expansion of its original drama slate in recent years and follows a successful slate of thrillers such as Penance and The Drowning.
The series is currently filming on location in Ireland and is expected to air on Channel 5 in the UK in 2022.
Jon Creamer
Share this story
