The Imposter on Channel 5: Start date, plot, and latest news on new 'bitter family dispute' thriller starring three soap icons
Sun, sex, scandal, and secrets - what's not to love?!
The Imposter promises to be the next Channel 5 thriller to keep us entertained and there’s good reason to be hopeful as THREE soap legends are in the cast.
The broadcaster has become quite notorious for its short dramas full of twists and turns. And this promises to be no different.
Basically, if you loved this year’s four-parter The Game with Robson Green and Jason Watkins, you’ll like this. Add a glamorous location, and some soap caviar and we’re all winning
Here’s everything you need to know about The Imposter on Channel 5, including plot, cast, location, start date, and number of episodes.
What’s the plot of The Imposter on Channel 5?
Much like Channel 5 thrillers The Feud and The Inheritance, The Imposter focuses on a family at war – and some pretty horrible characters.
A synopsis tells us: “A splashy seaside hotel in a coastal Victorian town becomes the centre of a bitter family dispute as matriarch Helen refuses to sell, despite pressure from her three adult children. But Helen is hiding a secret: a daughter she gave up for adoption decades ago…”
When long lost child Amanda suddenly appears in Helen’s life, the mum welcomes her with open arms. But is Amanda who she says she is? Short answer: No.
The lucrative hotel is the “ultimate prize” and a twisted scheme soon spirals into betrayal and ultimately, murder.
The announcement about the upcoming thriller came at the same time as some other exciting TV news, including a festive special of The Madame Blanc Mysteries, and a series 2 of The Hardacres.
How many episodes is it?
The Imposter will be four episodes of one hour each (including ads).
This follows the format of previous Channel 5 thrillers, including The Teacher, and The Au Pair.
Where was The Imposter on Channel 5 filmed?
The series began production in Victoria, Australia, in August 2025. So you won’t be surprised to hear there are some stunning locations in the show.
The four-part series is being produced by Fremantle Australia for Channel 5. Of course, soap fans will know that Fremantle is famous for Neighbours.
Who’s in the cast?
As soap actors go, here are some of the most iconic! Neighbours legend Jackie Woodburne will lead the cast as matriarch Helen. Of course, the Australian actress is most famous for playing Susan in the now axed soap. We’re told viewers will see her “like you’ve never seen before”. She certainly looks dowdy!
Kym Marsh will play Helen’s long-lost daughter Amanda, whose true intentions are unclear.
Like Jackie, Kym is perhaps best known for her soap role. She portrayed Michelle Connor in Coronation Street from 2006 to 2019. Since then, she’s hosted Morning Live, and appeared in Waterloo Road, and The Syndicate.
Dannii Minogue returns to the silver screen in her first locally produced TV drama in more than three decades. She’s best known for playing Emma Jackson in Home and Away’s heyday (
The cast also includes Offspring star Don Hany (The Survivors) and Jane Harber (In Limbo).
The ensemble will also include: Charlie Clausen (Home and Away), Jackson Gallagher (Wentworth), Chi Nguyen (Fisk), Kabir Singh (The Tourist) and newcomer Adeline Williams.
Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor, 5 commented: “I am delighted to have such a stellar cast and three hugely iconic female stars in the key roles in Jackie, Kym and Dannii. The Imposter promises to keep viewers gripped with its intense twists and turns.”
When’s the start date?
The series began production in Australia this summer, and will be landing on our screens any day now.
Set a reminder for mid-December, as that’s the earliest The Imposter will land on Channel 5.
Channel 5 told us: “The Imposter is coming soon to 5 in the UK and 10 in Australia.”
How can I watch it?
When it does arrive, The Imposter will stream on Channel 5 and Channel5.com.
If you can’t wait, there are plenty of thrillers currently available to watch on the streaming channel. These include The Au Pair, starring David Suchet, and The Drowning with Jill Halfpenny.
Read more: Sally Lindsay confirms good news about future of cosy crime drama The Madame Blanc Mysteries
