Channel 5’s new drama series, The Feud, explores the dark side of suburban life, revealing how a seemingly innocent kitchen extension can spiral into chaos and deadly secrets. Starring Jill Halfpenny and Rupert Penry-Jones, the show dives deep into the lives of the Barnett family, whose idyllic existence on Shelbury Drive is shattered when they decide to renovate their home.
Emma Barnett, played by Halfpenny, is a criminal defense lawyer who, along with her husband John (Penry-Jones) and their teenage daughter Beth, appears to lead a picturesque life in the northeast of England. Their close-knit relationships with neighbors Sonia and Alan are tested when Emma proposes a kitchen extension, igniting a series of conflicts that threaten to unravel their community.
Paul Testar, commissioning editor for drama at Channel 5, expressed excitement about the series, stating, "Neighbourly disputes happen every day. The Feud takes that premise and runs with it to its extreme limit." He added that what begins as a routine renovation triggers an extraordinary sequence of events, highlighting the show's tension and drama.
The official synopsis hints at the escalating turmoil: "As objections to Emma’s plans are raised, unexpected skeletons and life-threatening secrets begin to rise to the surface." This exploration of how aspirations can turn into obsession and paranoia sets the stage for an intense viewing experience.
Filming for The Feud took place in and around Newcastle upon Tyne during the summer of 2024, utilizing three houses in Benton to represent the Barnett's neighborhood. The production team also filmed scenes in Heaton Park and Jarrow, enhancing the show's local authenticity.
The series features a talented cast, including Amy Nuttall as Sonia, Ray Fearon as Alan, James Fleet as Derek, Tessa Peake-Jones as Barbara, and Jamie-Lee O’Donnell as PC Gallagher. Each character brings depth to the story, with their interactions revealing the complexities of suburban life.
Halfpenny, reflecting on her character, shared, "I love playing people who invite chaos into life to divert from the problem. It's chaos. They tend to create a huge amount of destruction and complications which is great TV." This insight into her role emphasizes the intricate dynamics at play in the series.
Penry-Jones, known for his roles in Spooks and Whitechapel, portrays John Barnett, who must navigate the fallout from his wife’s ambitious renovation plans. Meanwhile, Megan Trower plays their daughter Beth, whose experiences reflect the tension brewing in their once-peaceful household.
The character of Sonia, played by Nuttall, adds another layer of intrigue, as her social nature masks her own secrets. As the series progresses, Sonia's relationships with the Barnetts become increasingly strained, showcasing the show's theme of hidden truths lurking beneath the surface.
Fleet's portrayal of Derek offers a glimpse into the darker aspects of neighborhood life, with his character described as "deeply unpleasant". Tessa Peake-Jones, known for her role in Only Fools and Horses, plays Barbara, Derek's wife, who grapples with her own struggles behind closed doors.
As the drama unfolds, viewers can expect a blend of suspense and emotional depth, with the storyline promising unforeseen consequences for the Barnetts and their neighbors. The tension escalates as objections to the kitchen extension grow, leading to a confrontation that will test the limits of their relationships.
Channel 5 has scheduled the premiere of The Feud for Monday, April 14, 2025, at 9 PM, with subsequent episodes airing on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The six-part miniseries will continue to unfold over two weeks, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
The full episode schedule is as follows: Episode 1 on April 14, Episode 2 on April 15, and Episode 3 on April 16. The final three episodes will air the following week, concluding on April 23. Viewers can also stream the episodes on My5 after their initial airing.
In a world where neighborly disputes often escalate into something far more sinister, The Feud promises to be a gripping exploration of the lengths people will go to protect their homes and secrets. As Halfpenny aptly puts it, "Most people have experienced neighbours having work done, but The Feud is the stuff of nightmares!" This new drama is set to capture the attention of audiences eager for a thrilling narrative.
With its compelling storyline, talented cast, and a fresh take on suburban life, The Feud is poised to become one of Channel 5's standout series of 2025. As the premiere date approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be an unforgettable journey into the darker side of neighborly relations.
