Latest news with #CoupleNextDoor
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Review, The Couple Next Door - net curtains will twitch
*** WHEN you become a television critic, no one tells you how many hours will be spent watching people have sex (or how tedious that will be). Having sat through the first series of Channel 4's swinging in the suburbs psychological thriller, I was prepared for this new six-parter. Sandwiches and a flask to hand, I hunkered down for the long haul like Alan, the neighbourhood Peeping Tom (played by Hugh Dennis), putting in a shift at his telescope. But what do you know, all concerned had upped their game considerably. While The Couple Next Door was still a heap of weapons-grade silliness, it was a better-acted, better-plotted, better-directed heap of weapons-grade silliness. Instead of traffic cops and yoga instructors, the protagonists this time were doctors and nurses. Lottie the heart surgeon (oh, the irony!) was married to Jacob, an anaesthetist. Lottie was so busy with her job and an ailing dad to look after she had to schedule sex with Jacob, a man so dull he could have put his patients spark out with his conversation alone. Lottie couldn't complain, not really. Life was good, if predictable. Then a nurse named Mia turned up at the hospital and moved in next door. With her heavy European accent and mysterious past, the beautiful Mia intrigued Lottie and flattered Duncan. Smouldering glances over a patient's open chest cavity soon became flirty conversations over glasses of wine, and before you know it our couple had become a throuple and clothes were being torn off all over the shop. You certainly couldn't fault the trio's enthusiasm. They didn't even pause to brush their teeth before jumping between the sheets. And yes, the sex scenes did go on, and on, and on. The good times on the sofa and in Antwerp hotel rooms could not last, though. Lottie and Duncan's well-ordered life had been turned upside down by Mia and her demands. Regrets? They had more than a few. The Couple Next Door began life as the hit Dutch series, Nieuwe Buren ('New Neighbours'). Both are filmed in Belgium and the Netherlands, hence the slightly unusual houses on wide open streets that make the place look like America. Written by David Allison (Marcella, Trust Me), this series powered along, fuelled by plot twists that ranged from unlikely to flat-out bonkers. There was far more going on at the hospital than an on-off threesome. Frankly, it was a wonder anyone left the place alive, such was the carry on. From a pretty decent cast overall, Annabel Scholey was a solid centre of credibility as Lottie (even if she did look disconcertingly like Kate, Princess of Wales). Plaudits go again to Hugh Dennis, who scrubs up well as a serious actor. There was plenty to question (wouldn't the police be called in to investigate wrongdoing rather than leaving it to hospital administrators to play detective?), and more than a few cliches (particularly in the sex scenes). But if it was noirish nonsense you are after, The Couple Next Door supplied it by the bucket load.
Cosmopolitan
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
The Couple Next Door S2 star reveals the episode 2 clue fans missed they were guilty: "It's very subtly done"
The Couple Next Door came to an end tonight (23rd July), with Jacob (Sam Palladio) being exposed as the culprit behind the string of mysterious deaths at the hospital - crimes he tried to frame Mia (Aggy K. Adams) for. Jacob's wife, Charlotte, uncovered the truth and in a bid to cover up his crimes, he poisoned her coffee and made it look like she'd taken her own life. It's a twist we never saw coming, with so many eyes on Mia, but Sam Palladio tells Cosmopolitan UK that there was a very subtle clue in episode two - one he he had to go back and watch himself. "I think the first thing that really triggers everything is that initial mistake - it's very subtly done," Palladio explained, referencing the moment when Jacob entered a patient's room and reached for a syringe, but became too distracted by Mia - who was thanking him for defending her earlier that day - to administer the medicine. He continued: "I think it's episode two or three. Maybe it's episode two where Mia is sort of thanking him in the suite for for saying what he said to that evil patient, Mr. Green, who was a perve and there's a subtle slip up. We didn't want to telegraph that the medicine didn't go in and we need to re-inject, but that's what he does." In the episode we see Jacob holding the medicine in his hand as Mia thanks him, saying: "By the way can I just say, I didn't get to thank you for being so kind earlier." He replies: "No worries, I didn't want you to think I was trying to rescue you. I know you can take care of yourself." She then says: "Oh God no, I didn't think that. I'll let myself be rescued, but I must say this time it felt really nice. It felt good to feel protected in a way." "Oh any time," he smiles. The scene then cuts to Charlotte at the care home with her dad Henry and Alan, meaning we never actually get to see Jacob inject the medicine. The next time we see him, the patient is flatlining and he's scrambling to save him. Palladio continued: "He tries to cover his track when that guy starts flatlining. And so when you go back and you see, that's the moment where he's subtly injecting something to cover his tracks, and he shouldn't be. And so I think it's intriguingly done." While Jacob is trying to save the patient, Mia stands in the corner, shell-shocked, and once the patient is pronounced dead, she says: "He wasn't a very nice man," immediately raising suspicion. The Couple Next Door seasons one and two are available to stream on
Elle
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
'The Couple Next Door' Season 2 Cast: Meet The New Characters And Actors Who Play Them
The Couple Next Door, the chillingly creepy, edge-of-your-seat thriller, is back for its second outing on Channel 4. There are a few differences this time round, however — there's a whole new cast and storyline, as talented heart surgeon Charlotte (Annabel Scholey) and her husband Jacob (Sam Palladio), find their lives disrupted by the arrival of their enigmatic new neighbour Mia. The Couple Next Door season two cast includes: This is everything you need to know about The Couple Next Door cast, and where you might have seen them before. Who is Charlotte? Consultant cardiothoracic surgeon Charlotte is the beating heart of The Couple Next Door. The wife of Jacob and child-free by choice, Charlotte is competitive and respected at work. Her life, on the surface, is perfect until she begins to question if a life of domestic predictability is in fact what she wants. Her ex Leo's re-entry into the fray and Mia's emergence as a curious new figure ends up confronting Charlotte in ways she couldn't have expected. What else has Annabel Scholey been in? Scholey gained acclaim when she starred in 2023's The Serial Killer's Wife, but her breakout role was in 2009 BBC drama Being Human. Who is Jacob? Consultant anaesthetist Jacob is both charming and confident. He loves his wife Charlotte dearly, but disguises his insecurities about his status so when Mia arrives, she proves a temptation that may well be too great to avoid.. What else has Sam Palladio been in? Palladio is an English actor and musician, best known for playing Gunnar Scott in the ABC musical drama Nashville. He also appeared in recurring roles in the sci-fi series Humans. Who is Mia? Mia is the new surgical nurse at the hospital where Charlotte works. She's migrated from Norway to the UK and, as the name of the series would suggest, has moved into the house next door to Charlotte and Jacob. But all is not quite as it may seem with Mia.. What else has Aggy K. Adams been in? Adams is a British actor who's previously had roles in The Witcher and Oh, Ramona!. Who is Leo? After a whirlwind romance with Charlotte while the pair were studying at the same medical school, Leo travelled the world trying to shirk the wealthy life he'd been born into. Now, with an ailing father, he's back and seeing his long-lost love Charlotte again stirs up some confronting feelings. What else has Sendhil Ramamurthy been in? Ramamurthy is an American actor who's previously starred in Heroes, Beauty and the Beast and Never Have I Ever. Who is Alan? While recovering from a stroke, Alan begins serving community service after his past with season one character Becka was exposed. Now isolated and alone, Hugh is left shunned by his community and wondering whether he'll truly change. What else has Hugh Dennis been in? Dennis is a British comedian and actor who's previously starred in Fleabag, Nativity Rocks! and No Time to Die, among many others. Who is Gemma? Charlotte's longtime best friend and a senior manager at the hospital, Gemma is still reeling from her divorce after her husband Ben left her for a younger woman. The point at which she meets Leo, however, changes dramatically. But with Leo's heart still very much with Charlotte, can Gemma manage to turn his head? What else has Maimie McCoy been in? The British actor has previously had roles in ITV's reboot of Van der Valk and she starred as Milady de Winter in The Musketeers. Who is Ben? Ben is the hospital medical director, making him ostensibly Jacob's boss. Also in the grips of a mid-life crisis, Ben left his wife Gemma for a younger gym receptionist, but as Gemma grows close to Leo, he starts to question his choices entirely. What else has Adam James been in? British actor James has starred in all manner of films, and has also been a recurring character on Casualty. Who is Yvonne? Fellow nurse Yvonne is Mia's closest friend at the hospital. Known for keeping out of the hospital gossip and drama, Yvonne is loveable but unlucky in love, so when Mia suggests a potential match in Alan, her interest piques. What else has Tanya Moodie been in? Moodie is a British-Canadian actor and producer who's best known for her roles in Motherland and Silo, as well as her esteemed stage work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. Naomi May is a seasoned culture journalist and editor with over ten years' worth of experience in shaping stories and building digital communities. After graduating with a First Class Honours from City University's prestigious Journalism course, Naomi joined the Evening Standard, where she worked across both the newspaper and website. She is now the Digital Editor at ELLE Magazine and has written features for the likes of The Guardian, Vogue, Vice and Refinery29, among many others. Naomi is also the host of the ELLE Collective book club.
Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Couple Next Door season 2 slammed as 'waste of time' with 'gratuitous' scenes
The Couple Next Door season 2 slammed as 'waste of time' with 'gratuitous' scenes The Channel 4 thriller returned for a second season this week, but fans of the steamy drama have been left fuming over the plot so far Couple Next Door season 2 slammed as 'waste of time' with 'gratuitous' scenes The Couple Next Door has made its comeback on Channel 4 for a second series this week, yet the thriller hasn't quite lived up to expectations for many viewers. Initially featuring Outlander's Sam Heughan and Poldark's Eleanor Tomlinson, the latest season introduces two competing love triangles, with Annabel Scholey taking centre stage as heart surgeon Charlotte. Charlotte seems to have it all, including a seemingly perfect marriage to Jacob (portrayed by Sam Palladio), but their world is rocked by the entrance of enigmatic nurse Mia (Aggy K Adams) and Charlotte's old flame Leo (Sendhil Ramamurthy). With promises of sultry drama and shocking plot turns, the show's second outing began this Monday (14th July). Despite showrunner David Allison hinting at a "sexier, bigger and bolder" narrative, the initial episode has left fans feeling underwhelmed, reports the Express. Channel 4's steamiest thriller returns for a second season (Image: CHANNEL 4 ) Article continues below A number of viewers expressed their disappointment on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the premiere of the new series. One disgruntled viewer posted on X: "Just watched the first two episodes of series 2, it's a dreadful unbelievable storyline is ridiculous. "After a first really good series this was a disappointment." Another viewer hinted at the show being a potential guilty pleasure, commenting: "This is so bad, it's brilliant #TheCoupleNextdoor." Yet another viewer criticised the show's content, saying: "Five percent authentic story and ninety five percent gratuitous sex. A waste of time and energy." A fourth viewer commented: "This is such a weird show. The locations don't look very British. It's all a bit artificial-looking." "This is like someone who's in a coma, in the hospital, is dreaming it all..." remarked a fifth on the drama's surreal narrative. Hugh Dennis returns from the first series (Image: CHANNEL 4 ) Yet, despite some initial criticism, numerous enthusiasts are still captivated by The Couple Next Door's latest series, willing to embrace its fantastical elements. An excited fan proclaimed: "Holy f*** 'The Couple Next Door' season 2 is seriously good!", awarding the new series an impressive four stars. Meanwhile, another viewer confessed: "Giving #TheCoupleNextDoor another chance as I got bored halfway through." As viewers ponder whether the second series will live up to expectations, the question remains: should they indulge in this steamy but peculiar drama's comeback? Article continues below The Couple Next Door season 2 is available on Channel 4.
Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The Couple Next Door series two cast including Netflix and BBC stars
The Couple Next Door series two cast including Netflix and BBC stars The Couple Next Door is returning for a brand new season with a new cast, and here's a full rundown of who is starring in the new series Hugh Dennis stars in The Couple Next Door (Image: Channel 4 ) The Couple Next Door returns to screens with an exciting new series, capitalising on the monumental success of its debut season. Creator David Allison has crafted a brand-new tale for viewers, introducing an entirely different set of characters, replacing the original season's ensemble. "The first series was about two couples that collided with each other - a square. Whereas this is more two love triangles... so the dynamic is really different," he shared with Radio Times, teasing what's to come for the show which premieres its second season on 14th July. While Eleanor Tomlinson and Sam Heughan were at the forefront of the inaugural season, the upcoming one will feature household names like Hugh Dennis and Annabel Scholey gracing the television series. For those keen on the casting details for The Couple Next Door's second season, continue reading... The Couple Next Door is returning with a second season (Image: Channel 4 ) Article continues below Annabel Scholey will captivate audiences as Charlotte, playing a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon in the new series. Fans may recognise Scholey from her role in BBC's Being Human as well as from the true crime series The Sixth Commandment. Joining her is Sam Palladio portraying Jacob, a consultant anaesthetist who is married to Charlotte. Palladio brings experience from his time on ABC's musical drama Nashville, along with appearances in series such as Humans. In addition, The Witcher actress Aggy K. Adams appears as new nurse Mia, and Never Have I Ever's Sendhil Ramamurthy plays Leo, who shares a past with Charlotte, reports the Express. Hugh Dennis, beloved for his role in Outnumbered, reprises his character Alan from the first series, while Jeff Rawle of Hollyoaks fame steps into the shoes of Henry. Adam James, recognised for his performance in Vigil, takes on the character of Ben, and Maimie McCoy, known from The Musketeers, portrays Gemma, with Barney White joining as Brandon. Jackie Clune is cast as Annette, and Janine Duvitski comes aboard as Gloria, alongside Tanya Moodie who plays Yvonne. Aggy K. Adams stars as Mia (Image: Channel 4 ) The official synopsis for the second season of The Couple Next Door reads: "Leo's return sparks a change in Charlotte and Mia seizes the opportunity to work her way into Jacob and Charlotte's confidence, their street, and eventually even their bed, befriending cul-de-sac outcast Alan (Dennis) along the way. "But it's not long before Mia's past comes back to haunt her, leading Charlotte and Jacob to question who she really is, especially when patients at the hospital start mysteriously dying. Article continues below "One thing is clear - giving in to their desires could have deadly consequences." The Couple Next Door is set to make its comeback for season 2 on Channel 4, airing at 9pm on 14th July.
