Four-part primetime thriller The Hunted w/t (4 x 60’) has been commissioned by Channel 5, in association with All3Media International and produced by Story Films, the award winning team behind acclaimed, ratings winning dramas including BAFTA nominated The Thief, His Wife and The Canoe, Witness Number 3 and Deceit.

The Hunted (w/t) follows the story of a young, single mother Rachel and her young son Liam. They’re on the poverty line, but she works all hours of the day as a cleaner to give him the best life she can. One day, her boss at the cleaning firm is approached by a businesswoman who says she’s acting for an extremely wealthy client called Elliot. Her client has observed Rachel working at a hotel where he’s a regular guest and she asks if Rachel can clean for him exclusively. Better pay, less hours – it sounds too good to be true. Gradually Elliot’s behaviour towards Rachel and Liam becomes increasingly controlling. When suspicions are raised, Rachel starts to dig into his past, uncovering a dark and disturbing story from his childhood that explains his obsession with them. What ensues is a nail-biting thriller that asks the question: how far would you go to repair your past?

Casting for lead roles in the series has also been revealed with Kara Tointon (Mr Selfridge, Urban Myths, Archie) to star as Rachel with Charlie Hodson-Prior (Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical) as her son Liam. Allen Leech (Bohemian Rhapsody, The Imitation Game, Downton Abbey) will play Elliot; the mysterious, wealthy businessman whose interest is peaked by Rachel and Liam. Sara Powell (The Killing Kind, The House Across the Street, Murder in Provence, Doctor Who) plays Simone, Elliot’s associate and Taj Atwal (Trying, Line of Duty, Hullraisers) is Jasmine, Rachel’s full of life, vivacious best friend and colleague at the cleaning agency. John Thomson (Cold Feet, Professor T, Sister Boniface Mysteries) will also feature as Rachel’s boss, Geoff.

The series was ordered for Channel 5 by Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer, UK at Paramount. Executive Producers are Sam Tipper-Hale and David Nath for Story Films and David Collins for Samson Films. John Wallace (Redemption, Lola) will produce with Megan K. Fox (EastEnders, Fair City, Cailín Álainn) directing the series. Cameron McAllister (Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Primeval) is on board as writer for episodes 1 & 3 and Neesah Muthy (Coronation Street, On The Edge, Holby City) for episodes 2 & 4. All3Media International will handle global distribution.

Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer, UK at Paramount said: “I’m delighted to be working on another project with the talented team at Story Films. Equipped with a compelling script and stellar cast, The Hunted (w/t) is another exciting addition to our ever-growing Drama slate.”

Sam Tipper-Hale, Executive Producer, Story Films added: “Cameron and Nessah have written a gripping thriller which questions whether the scars of our past have to determine our future.”