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Exclusive: Emmett J Scanlan teases "twists" in new C5 drama The Deceived

Photo credit: Charles Fearn - Channel 5
Photo credit: Charles Fearn - Channel 5

From Digital Spy

Peaky Blinders star Emmett J Scanlan has exclusively opened up to Digital Spy about his return to UK screens on Channel 5.

Scanlan, probably best known for playing lovable bad boy Brendan Brady in Hollyoaks, is one of the leading cast members of new drama series The Deceived, premiering Monday (August 3).

In it, he plays a university lecturer who falls deeply in love with his student Ophelia (Belgravia star Emily Reid) – or does he? When Michael's wife Roisin (Catherine Walker) supposedly dies in a fire, Ophelia suspects she might actually be alive and involved in a deeper conspiracy.

When we recently spoke to Scanlan about The Deceived, he encouraged viewers to be looking for clues as the mysterious story unfolds.

Photo credit: Channel 5
Photo credit: Channel 5

"Tobias [Beer] and Lisa [McGee] are great writers in their own right, but together they have scribed episodes at the end of which I needed to know more," he hinted. "So if it surprised me, I hope it surprises you. There will be plenty of twists and turns along the way."

The actor then warned: "It's a psychological thriller. Definitely not a comedy. If you're looking for a laugh, this isn't it. If you're looking for drama, suspense, a bit of horror and mystery, then you've come to the right place."

Aside from the twisty-turning plot and the UK TV return for Emmett J Scanlan, The Deceived is also a pretty major telly moment for another reason.

Photo credit: Charles Fearn - Channel 5
Photo credit: Charles Fearn - Channel 5

Related: Normal People star responds to Daisy Edgar-Jones' Emmy Awards snub

The series marks the newest role for Paul Mescal since his Primetime Emmy Award-nominated international breakout performance in the BBC's Normal People earlier in the year.

The Deceived continues every night this week through Thursday (August 6) at 9pm on Channel 5.


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