Andrew Lincoln, best known for his iconic role as Rick Grimes in AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” is set to make a highly anticipated return to British television. Lincoln will star in ITV’s newly commissioned thriller series “Cold Water,” marking his first major role on British TV in over a decade.
“Cold Water” is a six-part series written by acclaimed playwright David Ireland and produced by Sister, the production company behind hits like “Chernobyl” and “This Is Going to Hurt.” The series is set in the fictional Scottish village of Coldwater and follows the story of John, played by Lincoln, a repressed man grappling with an identity crisis. Seeking a fresh start, John moves his wife Fiona, portrayed by Indira Varma, and their children from bustling London to the remote village. However, their new life takes a dark turn when John befriends their enigmatic neighbor Tommy, played by Ewen Bremner, who harbors horrifying secrets.
The plot thickens as John’s long-repressed rage surfaces, leading to disastrous consequences. As John becomes increasingly indebted to Tommy, Fiona grows suspicious of their neighbor, convinced that he is not who he appears to be. Eve Myles also stars in the series, adding to the stellar cast.
David Ireland, who serves as the writer, creator, and executive producer of the series, shared his inspiration for “Cold Water.” He explained, “Cold Water started with a question I was asking myself: Where do I want to live – the countryside or the city? Such an innocent beginning, but from it came this dark, funny, twisted thriller. I was delighted when Sister loved the script and thrilled when ITV decided to commission it. And I’m amazed we’ve managed to attract such a peerless cast, led by the formidable Andrew Lincoln. I hope viewers will find it intoxicating.”
The series will be executive produced by a team of industry veterans, including Chris Fry (“Landscapers,” “Kaos”), Alice Tyler (“The Following Events are Based on a Pack of Lies”), Lydia Hampson (“Fleabag,” “The Following Events are Based on a Pack of Lies”), and Jane Featherstone (“Chernobyl,” “Eric”). Brian Coffey (“Dinosaur,” “Our Ladies”) is set to produce, with ITV Studios handling international distribution.
Polly Hill, ITV’s Head of Drama, expressed her excitement about the project, stating, “David’s scripts are wonderful and original and have attracted an incredible cast led by Andrew Lincoln. It promises to be a really unmissable drama, and I am delighted to be working with Jane Featherstone again and her brilliant team at Sister.”
Filming for “Cold Water” is scheduled to begin later in 2024, with further casting and production details yet to be announced. The series promises to be a gripping addition to ITV’s lineup, blending dark humor with intense drama.
Andrew Lincoln’s return to British television is a significant moment for fans who have followed his career from his early days in BBC’s “This Life” and Channel 4’s “Teachers” to his breakout role in “The Walking Dead.” Lincoln’s portrayal of Rick Grimes made him a household name, and his return to the small screen in the UK is highly anticipated.
“Cold Water” also marks another milestone for David Ireland, who has made a name for himself as an award-winning playwright. His previous work includes the Sky series “The Lovers” and a memorable role as Sean Devlin in Channel 4’s hit comedy “Derry Girls.” Ireland’s ability to craft compelling narratives is evident in his latest project, which promises to captivate audiences with its dark and twisted storyline.
Sister, the production company behind “Cold Water,” continues to make waves in the industry with a string of successful projects. Their recent ITV drama “Passenger” and Netflix series “Eric,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch, have garnered critical acclaim. With “Cold Water,” Sister aims to deliver another standout series that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
As fans eagerly await the premiere of “Cold Water,” the collaboration between Andrew Lincoln, David Ireland, and Sister promises to deliver a thrilling and unforgettable viewing experience. The series is set to explore themes of identity, repression, and the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic settings.
In conclusion, Andrew Lincoln’s return to British television in ITV’s “Cold Water” is a highly anticipated event. With a stellar cast, a gripping storyline, and the creative genius of David Ireland, the series promises to be a must-watch thriller. As filming begins later this year, fans can look forward to a dark, funny, and twisted journey into the heart of the fictional village of Coldwater.
Source: Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety
