ITV viewers obsessed with new 'must-watch' thriller based on true story
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
ITV has quietly unleashed an incredible new thriller, and the eight-part series is already receiving glowing reviews from viewers.
Titled Fake, this Australian masterpiece is being hailed as a "romance-scam thriller" and centres on a young woman who starts to suspect that her charming new partner isn't quite what he seems.
The show made its debut on ITVX on 27th April and is set to take over Saturday nights starting 3rd May, quickly becoming a hit with audiences and even setting records as Paramount+'s most successful release in Australia after its premiere.
The official synopsis reads: "The series stars Asher Keddie (Nine Perfect Strangers) as Birdie Bell, a magazine features writer who thinks she's found her perfect match when she meets successful rancher Joe (David Wenham, Pieces of Her), on a dating app. But as the relationship intensifies, Birdie is torn between Joe's magnetic pull and the instinct that her boyfriend isn't all he has led her to believe."
(Image: ITV)
Commenting on the series, ITV's Head of Content Acquisitions Sasha Brelau expressed excitement: "We've got a great track record with Australian drama on ITVX, Anya Beyersdorf's work on The Twelve is a shining example of how well it resonates with our audiences, so we're really looking forward to bringing her newest offering Fake to the UK in 2025. It's a gripping thriller, made for binge watching", reports the Mirror.
Despite what its name might suggest, Fake is actually rooted in reality. The television series is an adaptation of Stephanie Wood's memoir, which details her own harrowing experience.
A woman has recounted a harrowing tale of her 15-month relationship with a man she dubbed a con artist, beginning with an online meeting on a dating app. "I met Joe through an online dating app and spent 15 months with him. He told me he was a former architect, farmer and property developer.
"He seemed to be compassionate and decent and to share my values. He led me to think we might have a future together," she revealed. The relationship, however, spiralled as his behaviour grew increasingly inconsistent.
(Image: ITV)
"But his increasingly erratic behaviour, his constant cancellations and contradictory stories, left me in a state of high anxiety and self-doubt. Eventually, for the sake of my mental health, I ended the relationship. I am a journalist and that's when I started to investigate him."
Her investigation unearthed shocking findings about the man's past. "I did title deed and bankruptcy searches and spoke to people who knew him. I discovered he had been with another woman for the duration of our relationship, had a criminal record, was bankrupt, and had left a trail of grief and broken relationships behind him."
The journalist hopes sharing her experience will provide solace and understanding to others who've faced similar abuse. She added: "For anyone who has been in one of these relationships, I hope that Birdie's story will comfort them, help them realise that they were not foolish and that these type of abusers are clever manipulators. I would like them to feel less alone."
(Image: ITV)
Meanwhile, viewers of a show that featured her story are finding connection and healing. Following an airing, a viewer expressed their gratitude on social media: "I'm beyond grateful for the portrayal as it helps with me knowing that behaviour is not my fault and I didn't ask for that to happen to me."
One viewer commented: "It was hard not to binge the whole series in a sitting. Had us hooked from the start and it's been so good to see a quality Australian production again".
Another added: "This is a must watch. I wasn't a fan of either main actors but I love a bit of Australian production, Fake does not disappoint."
Fake is available to stream on ITVX.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
43 minutes ago
- Daily Record
MAFS Australia couples from all 12 seasons who are now legally married - the amount might surprise you
Over 100 couples have starred on the Australian version of Married at first Sight but how many of them are actually married in real life? Since its debut on the Nine Network in May 2015, Married At First Sight Australia has matched over 100 couples. While a handful of those relationship have gone the distance, fans might be surprised to hear that only three couples have taken the leap to become legally married. Although the show features wedding-style ceremonies where participants meet and exchanged vows at the alter, there unions aren't legal - as under the Australian Marriage Act, couples must give at least one month and one day's notice before tying the knot. As this is impossible under the show's surprise matchmaking format the ceremonies on MAFS are symbolic. Instead, the couples declare their commitment to one another in front of their close friends and family, so once filming ends they are only considered boyfriend and girlfriend. While several pairs have stayed together after the cameras stopped rolling, only a select few have chosen to make their relationship official in the eyes of the law. With just three couples legally tying the knot - to date - after leaving the show. So who are the MAFSAU couple's that have tied the knot in real life... Cameron Merchant and Jules Robinson Cameron Merchant and Jules Robinson were the power couple of season six, and wasted no time tying the knot after appearing on the show back in 2019. Cameron got down on one knee during the season finale and the pair got married quickly after in November 2019, at a gorgeous ceremony in Sydney. Following their engagement Jules wrote on Instagram: "The moment you fall more in love than you thought you could fall and every little part of you says YES! I have nothing but love for this man." Fast forward six years and the couple have welcomed two sons together, their first Oliver was born in 2020 and they welcomed baby Carter into the world in July of last year. Melissa Rawson and Bryce Ruthven Melissa Rawson and Bryce Ruthven were one of the most talked about couples on season eight, with viewers failing to see the pair last outside the show. At the time there was a rumour that radio host Bryce had a secret girlfriend during filming, however Melissa spoke to the woman and said she had no concerns. Despite everyones doubts, the pair stuck it out and proved everyone wrong, going on to make their marriage official in the eyes of the law. The pair went on to had twins, two little boys Levi and Tate back in 2021 and were engaged soon after. They officially tied the knot in February of 2023 in an adorable beach ceremony in Sorrento, Victoria. Johnny Balbuziente and Kelly Knight In 2021, intruder couple, Johnny Balbuziente and Kelly Knight joined the experiment and it was love at first sight for the couple who were clearly smitten upon meeting on their wedding day on the show. Although they went on to have their fair share of ups and downs, but proved they were stronger than that as Jonny proposed to Kelly on their second anniversary. The pair got married in an intimate ceremony back in January of 2023. They shared photos from their big day, with the caption: "[ring emoji] MR & MRS BALBUZIENTE [ring emoji] 05.01.23" Kelly and Johnny have went on to welcome their first child, a daughter named Chloe Rossi Balbuziente, in July 2024.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Maura Higgins replaced on Love Island USA as new presenter unveiled
Former Love Island star Maura Higgins previously hosted the USA's version of Aftersun but she won't be back for another year Maura Higgins has been replaced on Love Island USA as a new presenter has been unveiled. The Irish star who found fame on the show herself, was previously working as the host of the US Aftersun but it has now been reported that she won't be returning to the role. Maura was also the social media host of the show as well but it's been said that she won't be back as a result of conflicting schedules. She will be relaced by Sophie Monk who is already familiar with how Love Island works due to being the host of the Australian version. It's though that Maura hasn't been axed but is instead focusing on other projects instead. Some fans think that she could come back for to host Aftersun for the second season of Love Island Games which films in Fiji later this year. The Sun reported that a source said: "She wasn't able to commit to hosting Aftersun this season due to other work commitments, but she will be back on screen in some capacity later in the run." The news was shared via the Love Island Instagram account. Alongside a photo, the caption said: "Welcome Sophie Monk to the Aftersun family!" Main host Ariana Madix commented: "You guys have no idea how much i'm dying over this." However, fans of the show were quick to notice that Maura wouldn't be back. One viewer commented: "Oh no! What happened?!" But another then said she is taking part in the next series of The Traitors instead, writing: "She's going to be on traitors. She's back for love island games." This comes after Maura came under fire for sharing a kiss with McFly star Danny Jones at the BRIT Awards. The duo were filmed kissing at an after party before heading onto the five-star Nobu Hotel in London for more drinks. Danny went on to address the situation in a grovelling apology shared on social media when his wife temporarily moved out of the family home to spend time with her friends and "get away". In a statement, the singer said: "Hello everyone, sorry it's taken me a while to post this but I've taken some time out to be with those closest to me. "I want to deeply apologise to my wife and family for putting them in this situation. I love them so much and we'll continue to deal with this privately. I love you guys, thank you for your patience, understanding, and support. See you all soon, Danny." The Mirror have contacted Maura's reps for comment.
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
'Incredible' period drama 'just like Downton Abbey' you can now stream
The six-part period drama series from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video UK now Julian Fellowes seemingly can't stay away from the allure of period dramas. The mind behind Downton Abbey, Gosford Park, The English Game, and The Gilded Age now graces us with another historical series - Belgravia. Belgravia unfurls in the 19th century and takes its initial bow at an event that is engraved in history - the Duchess of Richmond's ball of June 1815, a notable affair just days before the Battle of Waterloo. Centring on the intrigues of the Trenchard and Bellasis families, the show dives headfirst into familiar territory for devotees of period drama, complete with clandestine scandals, high-society relationships, and the intricate dance of class politics. Under John Alexander's direction and sprung from the imagination of Julian Fellowes, Belgravia is crafted from Julian's own 2016 novel of the same name and reunites the production crew that brought Downton Abbey to life, reports the Mirror US. Regarded by many as the undisputed monarch of the period piece, Julian's work inevitably draws comparisons to his giant success with Downtown Abbey. Sharing his thoughts with Town and Country, Julian said: "I think [Belgravia] it's darker than Downton. The servants are working people; they're doing their jobs because those are the jobs that were available. It's not sentimental. It's a sharper world." The limited series initially debuted on ITV in the UK on March 15, 2020, followed by its release in the US on Epix on April 12, 2020. After its release, a sequel, titled Belgravia: The Next Chapter, was promptly commissioned and announced in September 2022, with Helen Edmundson on board as its writer and developer. The show premiered on ITV in January 2024. A blend of new and returning faces comprised the cast of Belgravia, including Alice Eve, Ella Purnell, Tamsin Greig, Richard Goulding, Emily Reid, Tom Wilkinson, Harriet Walter, Philip Glenister, and Tara Fitzgerald. Upon its release, reviews were rather mixed. One said: "Belgravia has all the touchstones of a bodice-ripper. "Great romance and thrilling revenge. And the usual coterie of leaching and sneering in-laws." However, others expressed differing sentiments, such as this critic, who mentioned, "Though billed as a showcase for state-of-the-art costume drama, the six-part bonnet-fest feels more like a one-stop shop for all the worst excesses and boredoms of a genre that has outlived its usefulness." By contrast, another critic observed: "Belgravia is gorgeously appointed, it's romantic enough, it's grounded in the manners of a far more delicate time when everyone stood six-feet apart lest they bump hands." Additionally, a reviewer shared that while Belgravia veered off course, it remained captivating due to its intricate visuals: "Belgravia errs on the wrong side of that divide, but it is so well-appointed that it is never less than beautiful to watch, just like 'Downton'. "For some, the finery will win out over refinement." Audience feedback leaned towards the positive, with one viewer writing: "Incredible show! "Nothing was obvious, it kept the audience in suspense until the very last minute. Loved the complexity of the characters, the authenticity of the costumes and overall atmosphere. Highly recommend!". Another chimed in with: "Wonderful series! ! The storyline is gripping from the very first episode. "There is no woke political ideology that spoils so many films and series these days. Brilliant, authentic acting and casting in the excellent period production. "So many movies and series try and fail to promote female empowerment; however, Belgravia delivers this message superbly."
