ITV’s highly anticipated new thriller, Coldwater, is set to make its chilling debut tonight at 9pm, promising to grip viewers with a tale that weaves together trauma, suspicion, and dark secrets in the heart of rural Scotland. The six-part series marks the long-awaited return of Andrew Lincoln to British television, with a cast of familiar faces and a storyline that’s already generating buzz across the UK.
At its core, Coldwater follows John, portrayed by Andrew Lincoln, who seeks to escape the chaos of east London after a traumatic incident shakes his family to its core. According to Entertainment Weekly, John’s failure to intervene in a violent playground confrontation brings his identity crisis to a breaking point, compelling him to uproot his wife Fiona and their children to the seemingly tranquil village of Coldwater, as far from the city as possible. But as the opening episode quickly reveals, tranquility can be deceiving.
Lincoln’s return is a major draw for fans who remember him as Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead or as the lovelorn Mark in Love Actually. This time, his character is a man desperate for a fresh start, hoping the Scottish countryside will provide the peace his family so desperately needs. But from the moment they arrive, it’s clear that Coldwater has secrets of its own.
Fiona, John’s wife, is played by Indira Varma, known for her roles in Game of Thrones, Obsession, and This Way Up. Varma’s Fiona is the family’s main breadwinner, working as a chef while also writing a culinary memoir—a personal project she hopes will help her leave the past behind. Yet, as The Shields Gazette notes, Fiona’s optimism is quickly tested. She views the move as a chance to reignite the spark in her marriage, but her suspicions are aroused when John grows increasingly close to their enigmatic new neighbour, Tommy.
Tommy, played by Ewen Bremner (famous for his role as Spud in Trainspotting), is initially presented as the charming and confident next-door neighbour. He’s a pillar of the community, a man of faith, and the self-appointed leader of the village’s all-male book group. John is both impressed and slightly fascinated by Tommy’s easy confidence. However, as the series unfolds, Tommy’s friendly exterior begins to crack, revealing a far more sinister side. Fiona, for her part, is unconvinced by Tommy’s charm and grows increasingly wary of his influence over her husband.
Adding to the tension is Tommy’s wife, Rebecca, played by Eve Myles. Rebecca serves as the local vicar, and her presence in the community is both comforting and enigmatic. Myles, known for her performances in Torchwood, Hijack, and Keeping Faith, brings depth to Rebecca, who is caught between her husband’s secrets and the needs of her parishioners. Their son, Cameron, played by Samuel Bottomley, is emotionally distant from his parents, adding another layer of complexity to the family dynamic.
Local life in Coldwater is further fleshed out by Lois Chimimba’s character, Catriona, who works at both the village garage and the pub. According to Entertainment Weekly, Catriona’s role grows more significant as the series progresses, hinting at deeper connections within the community and more secrets waiting to be uncovered. Chimimba, recognized for her work in The One, Vigil, and Nightsleeper, adds a grounded realism to the ensemble cast.
The series is set to air its first episode tonight, September 14, 2025, at 9pm on ITV1 and STV, with an hour-long premiere that runs until 10pm. The second episode follows tomorrow night, September 15, at the same time, and the show will continue in its prime Sunday night slot for the next several weeks. Viewers can catch episodes live or on demand via ITVX and STV Player, making it accessible for audiences across the UK, as reported by The Shields Gazette.
What sets Coldwater apart from other thrillers is its exploration of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances. The story delves into the psychological unraveling of John, a man who discovers a newfound sense of his own power just as he falls under the sway of someone incredibly dangerous. As the series progresses, John’s long-repressed rage comes to a head with disastrous results, leaving him unexpectedly indebted to Tommy—unaware that his new friend is hiding horrifying secrets of his own.
The show’s creators promise a series that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. “This is the story of a normal man, in a normal marriage, who finds himself in a far from normal situation,” notes The Shields Gazette. The tension between John and Tommy, and the growing suspicions of Fiona, create a web of intrigue that’s sure to leave viewers questioning who can truly be trusted in this quiet village.
Beyond its gripping plot, Coldwater is also a showcase for its stellar cast. Andrew Lincoln’s performance as John is already being hailed as a triumphant return to UK television, while Indira Varma’s portrayal of Fiona adds emotional depth and resilience. Ewen Bremner’s Tommy is both magnetic and menacing, keeping audiences guessing about his true intentions. The supporting cast, including Eve Myles, Samuel Bottomley, and Lois Chimimba, round out a group of characters who are as complex as they are compelling.
For fans of psychological thrillers, Coldwater offers a fresh take on familiar themes of identity, trust, and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of even the most picturesque settings. The Scottish countryside, with its sweeping landscapes and close-knit community, serves as the perfect backdrop for a story where nothing is quite as it seems.
As the first episode airs tonight, viewers are invited to settle in for a ride that promises both shivers and surprises. With its blend of top-tier acting, atmospheric setting, and a plot full of twists and turns, Coldwater is shaping up to be the must-watch series of the autumn television season.
Whether you’re tuning in for Andrew Lincoln’s return, the promise of edge-of-your-seat suspense, or simply to see what secrets Coldwater is hiding, one thing’s for certain: this is one Sunday night drama you won’t want to miss.
