The new Channel 5 thriller Number One Fan is a four-part series that delivers guaranteed, preposterous fun. Starring Sally Lindsay and Jill Halfpenny, both former Coronation Street actors from the soap's golden era, the show is a wild ride of twists and turns.
A Tale of Stalking and Revenge
Jill Halfpenny plays Lucy Logan, a beloved daytime TV presenter with a successful show, a wardrobe sponsorship, and a new line of pampering products. Her life seems perfect, except for the monthly box of expensive truffles that are actually filled with manure, sent by an unknown stalker. When her bag is snatched in a supermarket car park, she is rescued by Donna (Sally Lindsay), an ex-military fan who quickly becomes a constant presence. Lucy's invitation for Donna to visit the studio turns into a mistake as Donna's obsession escalates, leading to lipstick messages on mirrors and stalking outside Lucy's daughter's school.
Plenty of Twists
The plot thickens with a husband in financial trouble, a son drawn into an eco-activist group, and a daughter at risk. The truffle-sender, glimpsed shouting at the show or throwing darts at Lucy's picture, likely plays a role. The series lives on its rollercoaster plot, and while not wildly sophisticated, it is harmless fun.
Strong Performances
The success hinges on Halfpenny and Lindsay, who are in almost every scene and never hit a false note. Their chemistry and talent make even the most preposterous moments believable. If they could return to Coronation Street to fix that show too, it would be a wonderful world.
Number One Fan is on Channel 5 now.
