Fake cast in full as Australian drama arrives on ITV and it includes Nicole Kidman's co-star
Fake is a new eight-part series that is set to air on ITV1 tonight, May 3, and is already available to stream on ITVX.
A brand new eight-part series, Fake, is set to premiere on ITV1, and it's already receiving rave reviews from fans.
Despite its somewhat misleading title, the scam thriller is actually based on a true story penned by Stephanie Wood, who recounts her own distressing experiences.
Fake will debut tonight, May 3, and is already available for streaming on ITVX. The plot follows a young woman who begins to doubt her boyfriend.
Despite her initial concerns, she convinces herself that she might be too picky about men, against her better judgment.
"The series stars Asher Keddie (Nine Perfect Strangers) as Birdie Bell, a magazine features writer who believes she's found her ideal partner when she encounters successful rancher Joe (David Wenham, Pieces of Her) on a dating app. However, as their relationship deepens, Birdie finds herself torn between Joe's captivating charm and the suspicion that her boyfriend isn't quite what he appears to be," the synopsis reveals.
Stephanie Wood, the author of the real-life memoir, shared: "Fake is a true story about a traumatic relationship I had with a con artist... I met Joe through an online dating app and spent 15 months with him. He told me he was a former architect, farmer, and property developer. He seemed compassionate and decent and appeared to share my values. He led me to believe we might have a future together."
Birdie Bell played by Asher Keddie
READ MORE: ITV's Fake start date, cast, episodes and how to watch the thrilling new dramaREAD MORE: Britain's Got Talent receives Ofcom complaints after viewers left 'repulsed' by actsBirdie Bell, a journalist seeking to spice up her romantic life, is encouraged by her somewhat assertive mother to find a companion to share her life with.
She encounters Joe on a dating app and initially contemplates running for the hills, but those she cherishes convince her otherwise, despite her doubts and her instincts telling her to escape.
Asher is a renowned Australian actress who rose to prominence in 2004 in the lead role of Love My Way. Her other notable roles include her performance in the ABC1-praised series The Cry in 2019 and the six-part series Stateless, alongside Australian actress Cate Blanchett in 2020.
In 2021, she secured the role of Heather Marconi in the Nicole Kidman-led Hulu series Nine Perfect Strangers, acting alongside Melissa McCarthy, Samara Weaving, and Bobby Cannavale.
"Birdie is a really wonderful, smart, kind-hearted human, Asher said about her character: " Asher said about her character: "Her mother has convinced her that she will meet the prince. She wants to fulfil her mother's dream for her," she commented, discussing her character Birdie on the show.
Joe Burt played by David Wenham
A divorced architect turned property investor appears to have everything in his favour, including a beautiful riverfront home with his two children in a countryside setting.
He will stop at nothing to increase his wealth, making substantial deals in property, solar, and wind-farming ventures.
David Wenham, a leading figure in the entertainment industry, is celebrated as an Australian actor notable for his role as Faramir in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.
His portfolio also includes playing Friar Carl in Van Helsing and Van Helsing: The London Assignment, portraying Dilios in 300, and taking on the character Lieutenant John Scarfield in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.
Reflecting on his character, the actor shared: "Joe Burt, yeah, he's a fascinating character. I don't perceive Joe as being a malevolent person, there's nothing to gain financially by what he does. He's by no doubt a fantasist, fabulist, it's an addiction."
Margeaux Bell played by Heather Mitchell
Meanwhile, Birdie's mother holds firm views on love; she embodies strength and always presents herself impeccably. Margeaux's path in love greatly differs from her daughter Birdie's, having met her spouse in her younger years and remaining married until his passing.
Though she urges Birdie to push past obstacles in current romances, she recalls giving contrasting advice in the past, believing she had prompted Birdie to prioritise career ambitions over romantic pursuits.
Heather Lee Mitchell commands recognition as an esteemed Australian actress, widely acknowledged for her starring role in the popular 1990s TV series Spellbinder.
She recently played Anita in the television series Love Me and has secured a part in the upcoming miniseries The Narrow Road to the Deep North.
Anton played by Nicolas Brown
Anton, who shares a romantic history with Birdie and maintains a deep friendship with her, is engaged to Tovey. This engagement follows when Birdie and Anton are romantically linked before Anton discovers his attraction to men.
She holds him dear and is the godmother to his eight-year-old daughter, Rory.
Nicolas gained fame from the popular Australian series Home and Away and featured in Heartbreak High and Drama School.
In 2022, he played Rahul in Joe vs. Carole, an American drama series crafted by Etan Frankel that tells the tale of Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin.
He also played Hamish in the Netflix film A Perfect Pairing.
Tovey played by Spencer McLaren
Tovey proves to be another dear friend of Birdie's, despite Anton ending things with her to be with Tovey. Instead of not liking one another, they quickly began to trust and love one another as friends.
Spencer has appeared on shows such as Home and Away as Kieran Fletcher and the British soap Family Affairs as Brett Owen.
Other claims to fame include voice work in Doctor Who and Scaredy Cat. In 2016, he appeared in the ABC3 hit Tomorrow When The War Began.
All episodes of Fake will be available to stream exclusively on ITVX from Sunday 20th April. The series will also air weekly on Saturday nights on ITV1 from Saturday 26th April.