A STAR from ITV drama Vera is to appear alongside an acting legend in a new series for Channel 5.
Actor Kenny Doughty joins Sir David Suchet, who is famed for his portrayal of Poirot, in new Channel 5 series The Au Pair starting in March.
The role in Channel 5’s Au Pair is the first post-Vera role for Kenny Doughty[/caption]
The four part drama also stars Poirot star Sir David Suchet in the Channel 5 series[/caption]
Also starring in the four-part series are Sally Bretton (Beyond Paradise, Not Going Out) and in her British television debut, Ludmilla Makowski (Anthracite, Lupin).
The Au Pair follows Zoe Dalton (Sally Bretton), who seems to have it all— a successful husband Chris (Kenny Doughty), two adorable stepchildren, Amber and Noah, a thriving tailoring business and a gorgeous countryside home in a picturesque English town.
However, all is not as it seems as she experiences marital issues and pressure mounts when her diabetic father, George (David Suchet), moves in next door.
Zoe reluctantly agrees to hire an Au Pair; in comes Sandrine (Ludmilla Makowski), a young French woman which triggers an unsettling shift in the household, as instincts and suspicions arise, hinting at hidden agendas and long-concealed truths.
Kenny was famed for starring as DC Aiden Healy alongside Brenda Blethyn in the title role as Vera Stanhope.
It was confirmed in 2023 that he would be bowing out, much to the outcry of loyal fans of the show, with Kenny now revealing that “personal” reasons were a factor in him deciding to depart.
He said: “There were lots of personal and professional reasons
why I wanted to move on.
“I have loved doing Vera 100 per cent. It has been a life-changing job for so many reasons.”
He was due to leave earlier on, but then stayed to appear in the Christmas special as he explained: “I made the decision before we started filming series 12.
“That was initially going to be the four films screened at the start of 2023. But then halfway through filming they said, ‘Can we do a Christmas special as well?’ So it was a long goodbye.
“With The Rising Tide being my last episode filmed in November and December 2022.”
Discussing the new Channel 5 series, Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer, Channel 5, commented: “This is a truly international collaboration and we’re delighted to be working with Pernel Media for the first time on this gripping new drama.
“We can’t wait to see this amazing cast bring this thrilling story to life!”
Samuel Kissous, President and Executive Producer for Pernel Media, adds: “Pernel Media is very excited to have secured its first English-speaking drama series commission in the UK with Channel 5 on such a high-quality series – offering a smart storyline, premium production value and a stellar cast.
“This series highlights Pernel Media’s ability to bring international partners such as ITV Studios, CANAL+ Group and MK1 Studios together in order to deliver world-class drama.”
Julie Ryan, Managing Director and Executive Producer for MK1, added: “We’re excited to collaborate with Pernel Media and Channel 5 on ‘The Au Pair’.”
“This series, centering around a strong female narrative, promises to captivate and intrigue viewers with its exceptional cast.
“We believe the blend of suspense, emotional depth and stellar performances will make the show a must-watch.”
The Channel 5 series sees Kenny Doughty team up with Sally Bretton for the new drama, which airs in March[/caption]
