A desperate NHS nurse takes on an alias in new thriller

BBC One has commissioned Trust Me, a new four-part original character-led thriller written by Dan Sefton (Mr Selfridge, The Five).

Set in Edinburgh, Trust Me tells the story of Cathy, a hardworking and skilled nurse, who, having lost her job for whistleblowing, is forced to take drastic measures to provide for her daughter.

Out of desperation, she seizes the opportunity to steal her best friend’s identity as a senior doctor and start a new life in Edinburgh. Burying herself deeper and deeper in the imposter persona, she realises she really could get everything she ever wanted – the job, the man, the dream – but with her old life threatening to destroy her fragile creation, how far will she go to protect it?

Dan Sefton says: “Having worked in the NHS for most of my adult life, I know only too well that it provides the perfect setting for a contemporary drama – the characters, the (often literal) pain – as well as the affection and dedication of staff. Trust Me shows all of that but its central story is Cathy, a decent, honourable woman who, when everything is falling apart, takes a huge risk in search of a better life. A life that she will fiercely protect.”

Nicola Shindler, founder and executive producer, Red Production Company, says: “Trust Me is a love story at its heart. It is about a woman’s desperation to start afresh and escape the pain and disappointment of her old life. Dan’s exceptionally realistic script is layered with complex characters and a gripping storyline that will keep viewers hooked.”

Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content, adds: “Dan Sefton’s contemporary character-led thriller for BBC One is an absorbing story about one woman’s attempt to start a new life. Set and filmed in Edinburgh, the series continues our commitment to boosting and invigorating drama in Scotland.”

Trust Me is produced by Red Production Company (a StudioCanal company), and will go into production late 2016 in and around Edinburgh.