A new Channel 5 drama backed by North East funding is set to bring a darkly twisted story of marriage, memory and buried secrets to screens in 2026.

Forever Home, a six-part adaptation of Graham Norton’s best-selling novel, will film in Northumberland with a cast including North East actors Kevin Whately, Denise Welch and James Baxter alongside Amy Nutall, Douglas Henshall, Samantha Bond, Lewis Cope, Jenny Walser and Shane Zaza.

The adaptation has been written by author and screenwriter, Clara Salaman, whose previous work includes acclaimed ITV drama, Too Close.

Norton, who also serves as an executive producer on the series, said the story began with a deceptively ordinary idea.

“In writing Forever Home, I was initially inspired by the simple idea of packing up a home later in life, and the ‘what if’ scenarios and complexities that come with later-life relationships,” he said.

“The novel soon evolved into a funny, twisted, ‘dark-romp’ full of farcical scenes and it’s wonderful to see the depth and richness of Carol’s story realized as a screenplay.”

The series follows Carol, a second wife haunted by the shadow of her husband’s first marriage. When she discovers a long-dead body hidden in the basement of their home, the story she has been told – that the first wife simply ran away – begins to collapse.

As the truth emerges, one dark family secret is replaced by another, with devastating consequences.

Supported by the North East Production Fund, which administered by North East Screen, the series is being co-produced by FilmNation Entertainment (executive producer is North Easterner, Kirstie Macdonald) and The Mediapro Studio.

Kirstie, FilmNation TV UK creative sirector, said: “From the moment I read the always-hilarious Graham Norton’s brilliant novel, I knew I wanted to bring Forever Home to the screen. It’s a story full of twists and turns, secrets, and emotional depth that we can’t wait to bring to life for 5 audiences.”

The series is the 15th production to get North East Production Fund support

Gayle Woodruffe, operations director at North East Screen, said: “The fund is helping to attract more production to the North East of England and has invested £2.37m in productions so far.

“We’re delighted to be working in partnership with FilmNation and 5 and are looking forward to welcoming the production team to Northumberland, a county which has the perfect locations to suit the story.

“The North East is fast becoming a hub of TV production and our Film Office and Skills teams have been working closely with the production team to pull together amazing local crew and companies and offer some outstanding opportunities to work in TV.”

Meanwhile, posting on social media, Denise Welch couldn’t contain her excitement: “Thrilled to be part of this project. In me home town, lovely cast and a dead body!!!!”