Michelle Keegan to star in new Netflix thriller from The Stranger writer

Michelle Keegan is set to star in new Netflix thriller Fool Me Once, filmed around Manchester and the North West.

The new Harlan Coben series will mark the 8th on-screen adaptation of the author’s novels, following the success of shows including Safe, Stay Close and The Stranger. Netflix’s Fool Me Once will feature familiar Northern face Michelle Keegan — the Corrie, Our Girl and Brassic star.

Alongside Manchester’s Keegan, famous faces including Joanna Lumley, Richard Armitage and Adeel Akhtar — some of whom have also appeared in previous Coben Netflix adaptations.

Coben, who will also be executive producer on the eight-part series, said: I’m thrilled and honoured to once again be collaborating with my uber-talented partners Danny, Nicola and Richard. ‘Fool Me Once’ will be our fourth Netflix series together, and man, it never gets old! 

“‘Fool Me Once’ is a pulse-pounder — a shocking story of how secrets and deceit have the power to bring people together while simultaneously tearing them apart. I can’t wait to see how this dream cast brings these characters to life.”

The plot follows main protagonist, Maya Stern (Keegan) who is trying to come to terms with the brutal murder of her husband Joe (Armitage). But when she instals a nanny-cam to keep an eye on her young daughter, she is shocked to see a man she recognises in her house…her dead husband.

Detective Sergeant Sami Kierce (Akhtar) is the leading officer on Joe’s homicide case all while grappling with his own secrets. Meanwhile, Maya’s niece and nephew, Abby and Daniel, are trying to find the truth about their mother’s murder which took place several months earlier. Questions arise, are the two cases connected? 

Fool Me Once follows these characters on a thrilling hunt for the truth that will reveal shocking secrets and change their lives forever. Judith Burkett, Joe’s protective mother, is portrayed by Lumley. As with other Coben adaptations, Fool Me Once will relocate the story from the US to the UK. 

Executive producer Danny Brocklehurst said: “Following on from our smash hits ‘The Stranger’ and ‘Stay Close,’ ‘Fool Me Once’ does not disappoint. Harlan’s books are storytelling genius and it’s great to be entrusted once more in bringing his gripping stories of life.

“As always with our thrillers, expect twist upon twist and an emotional roller-coaster. Plus, the cast is phenomenal – audiences are in for a treat!”

Executive producers for Quay Street Productions, Nicola Shindler and Richard Fee, said: Harlan is a master of twists and turns that are impossible to predict, which is what makes adapting his books for television impossible to resist!

“‘Fool Me Once’ is no different, we’re incredibly excited to bring the story to life with an all-star cast.”

Coben continues to work with local screenwriters from around the world to bring his novels to life on screen, so far across four languages. A release date is yet to be confirmed so watch this space!