ITV has picked up the UK broadcast rights to the critically acclaimed Australian romance-scam thriller ‘Fake‘, set to premiere exclusively on the streamer this April on ITV1 and ITVX.
The drama stars Asher Keddie (Nine Perfect Strangers) as Birdie Bell, a magazine features writer who thinks she’s found her perfect match when she meets successful rancher Joe (David Wenham, Pieces of Her), on a dating app. But as the relationship intensifies, Birdie is torn between Joe’s magnetic pull and the instinct that her boyfriend isn’t all he has led her to believe.
‘Fake’ is inspired by the bestselling book of the same name by Stephanie Wood and was created for television by acclaimed screenwriter Anya Beyersdorf (The Twelve).
“We’ve got a great track record with Australian drama on ITVX, Anya Beyersdorf’s work on The Twelve is a shining example of how well it resonates with our audiences, so we’re really looking forward to bringing her newest offering Fake to the UK in 2025. It’s a gripping thriller, made for binge-watching,” said Sasha Breslau, Head of Content Acquisitions ITV.
The series was created by screenwriter Anya Beyersdorf and directed by Emma Freeman (Love Me, The Newsreader, Tidelands), with additional direction from Jennifer Leacey (The Secrets She Keeps) and Taylor Ferguson (Tough). From Kindling Pictures, the series is produced by Imogen Banks (Safe Home, Offspring), Emelyne Palmer (Safe Home, RFDS), and co-produced by Asher Keddie. Sophia Mogford, Head of Scripted Content & Comedy for Paramount Australia and New Zealand, serves as the executive producer. The series received major production investment from Paramount Australia and Screen Australia, with additional support from VicScreen.
“We’re excited to partner with ITVX to bring this series to UK audiences,” adds Agapy Kapouranis, President of International Television and Digital Distribution at Lionsgate Television. “With a powerhouse cast led by Asher Keddie and David Wenham, Fake is an enthralling psychological drama that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.”
‘Fake‘ will premiere with all episodes on ITVX on Sunday, 20th April 2025. The series will also air weekly on Saturday nights on ITV1 from Saturday, 26th April 2025.
