Love Rat: New series filmed in Cyprus to debut on UK’s Channel 5

A new series that was filmed in Cyprus is set to debut on the UK’s Channel 5 on 11-14 March. The brand-new drama Love Rat is an escapist fantasy which transforms into a terrifying psychological thriller, made by Chalkboard’s scripted sister company, Clapperboard and distributed internationally by Entertainment One (eOne).

Key casting includes Sally Lindsay leading the ensemble cast, and joined alongside by Neil Morrissey, Gerald Kyd and Ramon Tikaram.

Cyprus Film Commissioner Lefteris Eleftheriou said this was the first British TV series to be filmed in Cyprus, adding that he was convinced more will follow. "Channel 5 is owned by Paramount, which makes us even happier as such a big production company chose Cyprus and we are convinced that this can encourage more to follow soon," he said, adding, "Also, the experience gained by Cypriot professionals in the making of this film is huge and this satisfies one of our goals as a film commission, that infrastructure is being created in Cyprus."

The four-part series (4 x 60’’) follows recently divorced Emma, played by Sally Lindsay (The Madame Blanc Mysteries) as she enjoys a whirlwind holiday romance with charming hotel proprietor, Niko, played by Gerald Kyd (Casualty, The Split) on the paradise island of Cyprus. When she realises that Niko and his partner-in-crime George, played by Ramon Tikaram (Pennyworth, Brassic, The Great), have scammed her out of her life savings, she embarks on a dangerous mission to get her money back, aided by ex-husband Pete, played by Neil Morrissey (Finders Keepers, Line of Duty, Unforgotten).

Love Rat was ordered for Channel 5 by Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer, UK at Paramount. Executive producers for Clapperboard are Mike Benson and Andy Morgan, with producer Jonathan Phillips, and Polly Buckle (A Discovery of Witches) is lead writer.

On joining the cast of Love Rat, Sally Lindsay said: “Love Rat is a brilliantly entertaining story, full of twists and surprises; it really turns the topic on its head which is what drew me to the project. Emma is an interesting and layered character that everyone will be rooting for as she takes control of her situation and her destiny.”

On the new addition to Channel 5’s slate Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer, Paramount UK comments: “I’m really happy to work once more with the creative and talented team at Clapperboard Studios to bring Love Rat to screens, and with a stellar cast including Sally Lindsay, who our viewers know and love as Jean White in The Madame Blanc Mysteries and in Cold Call prior to that. Expanding Channel 5’s original drama slate, this psychological thriller promises to be one to remember.”

Mike Benson, Managing Director, Clapperboard added: “In developing Love Rat we were determined to avoid some of the clichés and tropes you might expect when exploring such provocative subject matter. Polly and the team have done a brilliant job adding nuance, surprise and authenticity to the story and characters – and of course it’s lovely to be working once more with the multi-talented Sally Lindsay.”

Love Rat was filmed on location in Cyprus.