Actress Rachel Shenton has played the role of Helen Herriot in the Channel 5 period drama All Creatures Great and Small since 2020. However, the actress, who recently gave birth to her first child, will be seen in a completely different light by fans.

Rachel is set to star in the brand-new thriller, The Rumour, which is expected to air on Channel 5 later this year. The five-part series, which is based on the Sunday Times bestselling book by Lesley Kara, will see Rachel play Joanna, a mother who is desperate to outrun her past and protect her future with her young child.

An official synopsis reads: "Joanna moves to the quiet town of Flinstead with her young son, Alfie - a fresh start in a place that promises peace. But beneath its quiet surface lies something more sinister.

"When she discovers a chilling rumour about a convicted child killer hiding in plain sight, Joanna seizes the chance to bond with the local mums by sharing it - unknowingly unleashing a wave of paranoia and suspicion.

"As whispers grow louder and tensions rise, Joanna is swept into a dangerous spiral of secrets and blame. With trust eroding and fear spreading like wildfire, she begins to question not only the town's past but her own instincts. Who can she trust? And what will it cost her to find the truth?"

Also joining the 37-year-old is actress Joanne Whalley, Samuel Anderson, Ellie Haddington and Lucy Speed.

Liza Sadovy, Carryl Thomas, Tamzin Griffin, Alex Waldmann and Okezie Morro are also going to feature in The Rumour.

The upcoming thriller, which has been described as 'gripping' will explore the blend between fear and curiosity and how a single whisper can shatter everything.

The series will be available to watch and stream on Channel 5 this autumn.

The announcement of the upcoming thriller comes after Rachel told her Instagram followers the sixth series of All Creatures has officially wrapped.

Sharing a montage of snaps and videos, including many with her newborn on set, the actress took a moment to praise all the cast and crew.

She wrote: "That's a wrap on season 6....A very special (and very different) one for me, with the arrival of my baby boy [sic]. So glad I could sneak back at the end and introduce him to everyone...shout out to the loveliest production, crew & cast for making it easier! Especially @annamadeley [sic] #ACGAS...You're the best!"

All Creatures Great and Small is available to watch on My5.