Tonight marks the television debut of the psychological thriller Insomnia, starring Vicky McClure, airing at 9pm on Channel 5. Based on Sarah Pinborough's 2022 novel, this six-part series originally premiered on Paramount+ in 2024 and has been praised for its gripping narrative and McClure's compelling performance. The drama follows Emma Averill, a highly determined family lawyer and mother of two, who is approaching her 40th birthday when her life begins to unravel under the weight of sleeplessness and creeping mental distress.
Emma's struggle with insomnia becomes a haunting journey as she grapples with the possibility that she might be following in her mother's footsteps, who suffered from mental health issues. This chilling psychological unraveling is portrayed with nuance and intensity by McClure, who also took on a producer role in the series. As the episodes unfold, viewers are drawn into a world that blends reality with imagination, culminating in a late-season twist that Digital Spy described as "predictably bonkers" and a cliffhanger that leaves room for more.
Digital Spy lauded the series as "superb" and "creepy," highlighting McClure's "fantastic" performance that anchors the thriller. While noting that the show sometimes takes itself a little too seriously, the review emphasized that Insomnia is a "great watch" for fans of the genre. The supporting cast includes Tom Cullen and Leanne Best, who add depth to the narrative as Emma's world spirals out of control.
McClure shared exclusive insights with Digital Spy on what drew her to the project. She revealed a personal connection, saying, "I turned 40 last year, she [Emma] was turning 40 in the show. I was like, 'this is a sign'." She also appreciated the distinct tone and the opportunity to explore a character different from those she had played before. "It took me a bit of time to get my head around it all. Especially when we get to the end... You're buying into an imagination [and] the world that she's creating and where she's pulling that from... So I just immersed myself into it," McClure explained.
Vicky McClure has become a household name in recent years, rising to prominence with her role in the film This is England and its subsequent television adaptation. She is also known for her performances in acclaimed series such as Line of Duty, Broadchurch, and The Replacement. Her portrayal of Emma in Insomnia adds another compelling chapter to her career, showcasing her range and depth as an actress.
Off-screen, McClure's life has been marked by both joy and hardship. She is married to Welsh film producer and actor Jonny Owen, a partnership that blossomed on the set of the 2013 film Svengali. Owen, known for his roles in popular UK television shows like Shameless and Torchwood, and a BAFTA Cymru winner for co-producing a documentary on the Aberfan disaster, wed McClure in 2023 after nearly a decade together. Their wedding was a joyous occasion, highlighted by a touching moment when McClure called Owen's DJ daughter live on air during her BBC Radio Wales programme to share the happy news.
McClure has also been open about a deeply personal and distressing family experience. Her grandmother was diagnosed with vascular dementia at 75, a journey that profoundly affected McClure. She recounted to The Guardian how communication with her grandmother eventually became limited to singing nursery rhymes together, a bittersweet connection that persisted until her grandmother's passing in 2022. In tribute, McClure founded Our Dementia Choir, a musical ensemble from Nottingham that celebrates the impact of music on dementia patients. The choir has gained recognition through appearances on shows like Strictly Come Dancing, Loose Women, and even NBC News. McClure also explored this theme in a heartfelt two-part BBC One documentary in 2018, highlighting the therapeutic power of music for those living with dementia.
Back on screen, Insomnia promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of mental health, identity, and the fragility of the human mind. As Emma Averill confronts her sleepless nights and the shadows of her past, viewers are invited to question the boundaries between reality and imagination, sanity and madness.
The series will air over two weeks, with the first episode tonight at 9pm, followed by the second and third episodes on Monday and Tuesday, July 8 and 9, respectively. The final three episodes will conclude the following week, offering a complete and intense viewing experience.
For those intrigued by psychological thrillers and character-driven dramas, Insomnia offers a superb blend of suspense, emotion, and stellar acting. Vicky McClure's portrayal of Emma is a standout, capturing the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability as the character navigates her personal crisis.
As the series unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how Emma's story resonates with audiences, especially given McClure's personal connection to the role and the themes it explores. This drama not only entertains but also sparks conversations about mental health, family legacies, and the power of resilience.
