‘Downton Abbey’ star leads cast of emotional new drama ‘Liar’

ITV has revealed details about Downton Abbey star Joanne Froggatt’s new six-part thriller.

Written by Harry and Jack Williams, the creators of The Missing, the series tells the story of a night that changes the lives of Laura Newell (Froggatt) and Andrew Ellis (Hornblower star Ioan Gruffudd) forever.

Liar will air in the UK on ITV and in the US on SundanceTV later this year.

The writers commented: “This story deals with highly emotional and important subject matter, exploring modern issues of gender politics through the lens of a character-driven emotional thriller.”

SundanceTV’s president of original programming and development, Joel Stillerman added: “Liar is that rare combination of a thoughtful and emotional exploration of the human condition, and a page turner. The Williams Brothers have created something both relevant and compelling, attributes that the SundanceTV audience respect and embrace.”

The official synopsis reads: “Laura is a smart and dedicated teacher, not long out of a relationship and unsure about getting back on the dating scene. Andrew is a renowned surgeon whose son is a pupil at Laura’s school. An initial attraction leads to a date, but neither fully realises the far-reaching consequences that their meeting will have on each other or their families.

“Truth and consequences go hand in hand in a tense and gripping thriller that examines both sides of a relationship and both sides of the truth. Are there really two sides to every story?

“Liar explores the devastating cost of deceit on both the couple and their friends and family, as secrets and lies are laid bare…”

Directed by James Strong (Broadchurch), Liar began filming in London and Kent last November.