The Imposter: Channel 5 Release Date, Cast, Plot & Why Jackie Woodburne’s New Drama Is Trending

Secrets never stay buried — especially by the sea.

The Imposter is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about drama series of the year, and it’s already trending across search thanks to its gripping premise, powerhouse cast, and prime-time slot on Channel 5. Led by Jackie Woodburne, with major roles from Kym Marsh and Dannii Minogue, this Australian–UK co-production blends family conflict, identity mystery, and emotional suspense into a tightly wound drama audiences can’t stop searching for.

If you’re looking for The Imposter Channel 5 release date, The Imposter cast, or why Jackie Woodburne and Kym Marsh are driving so much buzz — this is everything you need to know.

What Is The Imposter?

The Imposter is an upcoming drama series co-commissioned by Channel 5 (UK) and Network 10 (Australia), created and executive produced by Jason Herbison.

At its core, the series explores:

• Family secrets

• A disputed identity

• A mother’s past

• And the explosive consequences of reopening old wounds

Set around a seaside motel, the show leans into emotional tension rather than flashy twists — making it perfect for fans of character-driven drama.

The Imposter Channel 5 Release Date & Broadcast Details

UK – Channel 5

• Premiere Date: 15 December

• Network: Channel 5

• Format: Prime-time drama event

Australia – Network 10

• Premiere Date: 21 December 2025

• Airs: Over two nights

• Network: Network 10

The staggered release has helped push search interest globally, with “The Imposter Channel 5” and “Imposter Channel 5 cast” already trending.

Plot: What Is The Imposter About?

The story centers on Helen O’Riley (Jackie Woodburne), a fiercely independent matriarch who owns a seaside hotel that has been in her family for years.

Her children want her to sell.

She refuses.

Then everything changes.

A woman appears claiming to be the daughter Helen gave up for adoption years ago — and suddenly, long-buried secrets threaten to destroy the family from the inside out.

As pressure mounts:

• Trust fractures

• Motives are questioned

• And the line between truth and manipulation blurs

The big question driving the series: Is she really Helen’s daughter — or is she an imposter?

The Imposter Cast: Who Stars in the Series?

The cast is a major reason this show is trending.

Main Cast

• Jackie Woodburne as Helen O’Riley

• Kym Marsh as Amanda

• Dannii Minogue

• Don Hany as Simon O’Riley

• Jackson Gallagher as Ian O’Riley

Supporting Cast

• Jane Harber as Kate Templeton

• Charlie Clausen as Todd Templeton

• Chi Nguyen as Courtney

• Kabir Singh as Lee

• Adeline Williams as Corrine

Why Jackie Woodburne’s Role Is Getting Attention

Jackie Woodburne delivers the emotional backbone of the series as Helen — a woman torn between survival, guilt, and control.

Helen is:

• Stubborn

• Guarded

• Emotionally complex

• Willing to burn bridges to protect the truth

This is not a passive matriarch role. It’s confrontational, layered, and quietly devastating — the kind of performance that keeps audiences guessing until the final episode.

Why The Imposter Is Trending Right Now

Several reasons are driving the spike in searches:

1. A Familiar but Addictive Premise

Family + secrets + a stranger claiming blood ties = instant intrigue.

2. Cross-Market Appeal

With Channel 5 in the UK and Network 10 in Australia, the series taps into two major TV audiences at once.

3. Recognisable Faces

Jackie Woodburne, Kym Marsh, and Dannii Minogue bring built-in fanbases.

4. Event-Style Scheduling

A December release makes this a holiday-season drama hook, when viewership is at its peak.

Who Should Watch The Imposter?

This series is perfect for viewers who enjoy:

• Domestic thrillers

• Family-based mystery dramas

• Slow-burn suspense

• Emotional power struggles

• British and Australian TV drama

If you like shows where tension builds through conversations rather than explosions, The Imposter will be right up your alley.

Series Details at a Glance

• Title: The Imposter

• Genre: Drama

• Created by: Jason Herbison

• Director: Kate Kendall

• Production Company: Fremantle Australia

• UK Network: Channel 5

• Australia Network: Network 10

• Original Language: English

Final Verdict: Is The Imposter Worth Watching?

Yes — especially if you love character-driven mystery.

The Imposter doesn’t rely on spectacle. It relies on doubt. On silence. On the discomfort of not knowing who to trust — or whether blood truly makes a family.

By the time the truth begins to surface, the damage may already be done.

And that’s exactly what makes this drama so compelling.