A new series Sweetpea starring a breakout actress is set to air on Sky. Dubbed a ‘”coming-of-rage” story, the new dark comedy stars Ella Purnell as Rhiannon Lewis who is tired of being overlooked and ignored by nearly everyone in her life.
Armed with a mental kill list, Rhiannon’s world spirals into chaos following personal losses that prompt a series of violent acts while she struggles to maintain her sanity and evade police detection.
Sweetpea takes inspiration from C. J. Skuse’s 2017 novel and features a star-studded British cast, including talent from the likes of Doctor Who and Slow Horses. Ella Purnell, known for Fallout, not only stars but also executive produces the series.
This is everything you need to know about the new Sky series Sweetpea including when the series is out, who is in the cast and its plot.
What is the plot of Sweetpea?
Ella Purnell as Rhiannon on Sweetpea (Image: Sky)
Rhiannon Lewis, who works at the local newspaper as a receptionist, has faced her fair share of trauma across her life. She grows frustrated at being ignored by her family, work colleagues and envious of the success her school bully has achieved.
But a series of personal tragedies spark a violent urge in Rhiannon that rocks the sleepy town of Carnsham.
A plot synopsis from Sky reads: “In this deviously twisted and darkly comic ‘coming-of-rage’ thriller, Ella Purnell stars as Rhiannon: a quiet wallflower who develops a vengeful and liberating taste for murder…
Rhiannon Lewis doesn’t make much of an impression – people walk past her in the street without a second glance. She’s continually overlooked for a promotion at work, the guy she likes won’t commit, her sister is off living her life abroad with her husband and her dad is really, really sick. So far, so s**t.
“But when everything in her life is turned upside down, Rhiannon is pushed over the edge. She snaps. Suddenly the wallflower is gone, and in its place is a young woman capable of anything.
“Rhiannon’s life transforms as she steps into a new, intoxicating power, but can she keep her killer secret?”
When is Sweetpea out on Sky and how many episodes are there?
Calam Lynch plays AJ (left) with Ella Purnell as Rhiannon Lewis (right) in new Sky series Sweetpea (Image: Sky)
The first episode of Sweetpea will air at 9pm on Thursday, October 10 on Sky Showcase and Sky Atlantic.
The six-part mini-series will air at the same time every Thursday and each episode is approximately 45 minutes long without adverts.
The full series will be available to watch on Sky and NOW customers on Thursday, October 10.
Who is in the cast of Sweetpea?
New Sky Sweetpea series comes out on October 10 on Sky and NOW (Image: Sky)
Ella Purnell takes on the role of the overlooked Rhiannon, whose life takes a dark turn when she discovers a taste for murder, finally drawing the attention she’s been deprived of.
Ella Purnell has made a name for herself with notable roles such as Lucy MacLean in the Prime Video series Fallout, Jackie Taylor in Yellowjackets, and voicing Jinx in Arcane.
Nicole Lecky takes on the role of Julia, Rhiannon’s school bully who makes a return to Carnsham. The seemingly perfect estate agent has an ideal fiance and home becomes a target for Rhiannon.
Lecky, a BAFTA winner for her starring role and writing in Mood, has also appeared in Casualty, Fresh Meat, Sense8 and Death in Paradise.
Calam Lynch plays AJ who is given the junior reporter role Rhiannon wanted at the Carnsham Gazette. The actor previously appeared in Bridgerton and Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power.
Jon Pointing plays Craig, a handyman who works at Rhiannon’s father’s building business. He wants ambitions to buy the business but Rhiannon remains frustrated he didn’t contact her after a one-night stand.
Viewers may recognise Jon Pointing from roles in Big Boys, Wueenie and Smothered.
Junior detective Marina is played by Leah Harvey and becomes growingly frustrated by her colleagues dismissing her skills. Leah Harvey was nominated for a BAFTA for their role as Salvor Hardin in the series Foundation and also appeared in A Gentleman in Moscow and the film Tuesday.
Jeremy Swift plays Norman, the Editor of the Carnsham Gazette, who enjoys directing his reporters and staff but whose actual work output remains questionable. Initially dismissive of Rhiannon, referring to her as Sweetpea, he soon becomes impressed by her journalism talents.
Jeremy Swift is known for his roles in Ted Lasso and Downton Abbey as well as Foyle’s War and The Durrells.
Dustin Demri-Burns portrays senior reporter Jeff, who is considered the most seasoned and skilled journalist at the paper. His character grows increasingly wary of Rhiannon in the newsroom and is eager to uncover her secrets.
Ella Purnell stars as Rhiannon in Sweetpea, a quiet wallflower who develops a vengeful and intoxicatingly liberating taste for murder. (Image: )
The British actor and writer, who has starred in Slow Horses and Am I Being Unreasonable? as well as The Great, Stath Lets Flats, Sick Note and Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, brings his talent to the show.
Dino Kelly takes on the role of a property developer and Julia’s partner. He has previously appeared in Trigger Point, Alexander: The Making of a God and Peaky Blinders.
Ingrid Oliver plays the role of D. I.Diana St. John, who tends to dismiss junior detective Marina. Audiences may recognise her from her roles in Doctor Who, The Watch and Watson and Oliver.