The Imposter: Channel 5’s Gripping New Drama Brings Soap Legends Together
Introduction: Why The Imposter Matters
The Imposter premiered on Channel 5 on Monday, 15th December 2025 at 9pm, marking a significant moment for British television audiences seeking compelling drama during the festive season. The series is an Australian/UK co-commissioned drama for Channel 5 and Network 10, bringing together renowned soap stars in a psychological thriller that has already captured viewers’ attention. The show’s relevance lies in its timely exploration of family dynamics, trust, and deception—themes that resonate particularly during the holiday season when family tensions often surface.
The Plot: A Twisted Family Betrayal
The series focuses on matriarch Helen, played by Jackie Woodburne, who refuses to sell her seaside hotel amid pressure from her three children. A sprawling seaside hotel sits at the heart of a dispute between matriarch Helen and her three adult children, Simon, Kate and Ian, who want to sell but Helen is against the lucrative deal, despite her deteriorating health. The tension escalates when Helen’s older child, Amanda, whom she gave up for adoption in the UK before the other kids were born, turns up out of the blue, and Helen embraces her, believing she is the answer to her problems—but questions arise about whether Amanda is who she says she is. According to the official synopsis, the lucrative hotel becomes the ultimate prize and a twisted scheme soon spirals into betrayal and ultimately, murder.
Star-Studded Cast and Production
On 21 July 2025, the series was announced as an Australian/UK co-commission with UK soap star Kym Marsh and Neighbours actor Jackie Woodburne announced as the series leads. On 30 July, it was announced that Dannii Minogue had joined the cast, in her first major television role since Home and Away. The four-part series is being produced by Fremantle Australia for Channel 5, with the series created and executively produced by Jason Herbison. The series began production in Victoria, Australia, in August 2025, taking advantage of stunning coastal locations.
Conclusion: Must-Watch Drama for Winter Nights
The Imposter continues at 9pm on Tuesday (December 16), Wednesday (December 17), and the finale airs at 9pm on Thursday evening (December 18). For viewers who enjoyed Channel 5’s previous thrillers like The Game and The Feud, The Imposter promises the same addictive blend of mystery, family drama, and shocking twists. The series represents a growing trend of high-quality, compact drama series that deliver complete stories over just a few nights—perfect for binge-watching during the dark winter evenings. With its combination of experienced soap actors, exotic Australian setting, and a plot filled with secrets and murder, The Imposter is positioned to become one of the season’s talking points, demonstrating Channel 5’s continued commitment to delivering compelling thriller content for British audiences.