Keshet Acquires Channel 5’s ‘Number One Fan’ Drama Series Exploring the Competitive Daytime TV Landscape for London Screenings

Keshet International to Feature ‘Number One Fan’ at London TV Screenings

Keshet International (KI) has announced its featured presentation for the upcoming London TV Screenings: the daytime drama series Number One Fan, produced by Channel 5, now known simply as 5.

Revealed earlier this week by 5, the series is directed by Paul Wilmshurst, known for his work on The Day of the Jackal. It stars Jill Halfpenny as Lucy, a television presenter, and Sally Lindsay as Donna, her obsessed admirer who becomes a pivotal figure after saving Lucy from an attack. Initially flattered by Donna’s attention, Lucy soon finds herself dealing with the consequences of her “number one fan” who refuses to simply fade away.

This drama marks KI’s first collaboration with 5 and Clapperboard, an independent production company led by Mike Benson that has a history of creating successful series for the network. Alongside Number One Fan, Channel 5 has also announced a new project centered on the controversial downfall of former BBC News anchor Huw Edwards, featuring Martin Clunes in the lead role.

KI’s distribution chief, Kelly Wright, described Number One Fan as a "smart, provocative thriller that will keep buyers and audiences guessing right to the end." Anke Stoll, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions, expressed enthusiasm for partnering with Clapperboard, indicating a strong collaborative relationship between the companies.

Viewers can look forward to Number One Fan leading KI’s slate at the London TV Screenings, scheduled for February 24 at the Vue West End Cinema in Leicester Square. The series will be showcased alongside other notable documentaries, including Pirates of Antiquities and Day Trip: Escaping the Taliban.

Key figures involved in the production include executive producers Benson and Suzi McIntosh, with Brett Wilson serving as producer. The lead writer for the series is Rachel Kilfeather, joined by Marcus Fleming, while Wilmshurst takes on directing duties. The project received the green light from Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer and Head of Scripted at Paramount UK.