ITV’s new psychological thriller, The Stolen Girl, has made a dramatic entrance onto British screens, promising viewers a suspense-filled ride that’s already been described as “binge-worthy” and “flawless” by early fans. The series, which premiered on February 25, 2026, at 9pm, is an adaptation of Alex Dahl’s novel Playdate and features a star-studded cast led by Denise Gough, Holliday Grainger, and Ambika Mod. Originally released on Disney+ in 2025, the show now brings its gripping narrative to a wider ITV audience, with episodes airing weekly and the entire box set available for the impatient on ITVX.
At the heart of The Stolen Girl is every parent’s worst nightmare. The story follows Elisa Blix, a flight attendant played by Denise Gough, whose nine-year-old daughter, Lucia, begs for her first ever sleepover at her new friend Josie’s house. Despite initial reservations, Elisa is reassured after meeting Josie’s mother, Rebecca Walsh (portrayed by Holliday Grainger), and seeing their impressive home. But the comfort is short-lived. When Elisa and her husband, Fred Blix (Jim Sturgess), go to collect Lucia the next morning, they’re met by a cleaner who insists, “no one lives here.” The beautiful house is, in fact, a holiday let, and Lucia, along with Rebecca and Josie, has vanished without a trace.
The chilling setup is just the start. As the Blix family’s search intensifies, secrets and truths long buried begin to emerge, adding layers of complexity and emotional depth to the narrative. According to Birmingham Mail, “long-buried secrets and truths” begin to surface as Elisa frantically searches for her missing daughter, and the family finds itself under public scrutiny as the police investigation unfolds.
The cast brings impressive pedigree to the production. Denise Gough, who plays Elisa, is no stranger to intense drama, having starred in acclaimed TV shows like Disney+’s Andor and ITV’s Too Close, as well as films such as Colette and Robin Hood. Off-screen, Gough’s personal journey is as compelling as her on-screen roles. The Irish actress, one of 11 siblings (including fellow actress Kelly Gough), has spoken openly about overcoming addiction and trauma in her youth. In a candid interview with London Theatre, she shared, “I’m sober now – 17 years. I know what it’s like to want to switch everything off. I know what it’s like to need something to help me stay alive.” Her acclaimed stage career includes an Oliver Award-winning turn in People, Places & Things, where she drew on her own struggles to deliver a powerful performance.
Holliday Grainger, who plays the enigmatic Rebecca Walsh, is equally accomplished, with credits ranging from Robin Ellacott in Strike to DCI Rachel Carey in The Capture. Grainger’s portrayal of Rebecca is central to the show’s intrigue—her character’s motives for abducting Lucia are teased as more complex than they first appear, leaving viewers questioning what might drive a mother to such desperate actions. As noted by Express, “Disney+ viewers may question whether her actions were warranted after all.”
Jim Sturgess, as Fred Blix, brings emotional weight as the father thrust into the spotlight during the investigation. Sturgess is well-known for roles in One Day, Cloud Atlas, and Hard Sun. Ambika Mod, who plays journalist Selma Desai, is another standout; her character steps in where the police seem to falter, determined to uncover the truth behind Lucia’s disappearance. Mod’s previous work includes memorable performances in This Is Going To Hurt and the Netflix remake of One Day.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Bronagh Waugh as DI Shona Sinclair—the lead detective offering a “sobering” perspective, according to Birmingham Mail—and Layo-Christina Akinlude as her investigative partner, DS Lizzie Walker. Michael Workeye rounds out the ensemble as Kaleb Negasi, the exasperated editor trying to keep Selma focused on other stories.
Behind the scenes, the series boasts a talented creative team. Directed by Eva Husson and produced by James Dean, Tanya Seghatchian, Nicola Shindler, and John Woodward, the show’s script comes from Catherine Moulton, adapting Dahl’s original novel. Composer Ben Onono provides a score that ratchets up the tension, while the production’s visual style has been noted for its realism—right down to the sunlight bouncing authentically off characters’ phones, as highlighted by DVD Fever.
Critical and fan reception has been overwhelmingly positive. On IMDb, one viewer raved, “Very suspenseful! I thoroughly enjoyed this. If you like any of Harlan Coben’s series, you’ll enjoy this.” Another called it “binge-worthy,” adding, “Such an exciting watch. Very suspenseful and leaves viewers guessing until the end.” A third viewer enthused, “I saw the entire show in ONE GO. The show starts and holds you. The performances are perfect. Direction flawless… production values excellent… Just watch it and come back here and tell me that you got hooked on it. Go watch it and enjoy the ride.”
For those eager to see how the mystery unfolds, ITV is releasing the five-episode series weekly at 9pm, while the full series is available to stream on ITVX. There’s no word yet on a Blu-ray or DVD release, but fans can expect listings to appear on new UK DVD and Blu-ray release pages soon enough.
As The Stolen Girl continues to air, it’s clear that ITV has delivered a psychological thriller that’s both timely and timeless, tapping into universal fears while showcasing some of the best talent in British television. With its mix of suspense, emotional depth, and top-tier performances, the series looks set to keep viewers hooked until the very last episode.