New psychological thriller Playing Nice filmed and set in Cornwall is set to hit our screens this week.
The Happy Valley star James Norton will star alongside Niamh Algar from Channel 4’s The Virtues as two couples discover their 3-year-old sons, Theo and David, were switched at birth in a mix-up.
The two couples come to an agreement but how long will it be until this complex arrangement comes to a head? Originally a best-selling novel by British thriller author JP Delaney, Playing Nice has been adapted for TV by Malpractice writer Grace Ofori-Attah.
The limited series is set against a sweeping Cornish landscape, with filming previously taking place on the coast of Cornwall in 2023 and 2024. This is everything you need to know about Playing Nice from the plot, cast and TV release schedule.
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What is the plot of Playing Nice?
James Norton will star alongside Niamh Algar, James McArdle and Jessica Brown Findlay in Playing Nice
(Image: ITV)
A plot synopsis from ITV reads: “Set against a sweeping Cornish landscape, two couples discover that their toddlers were switched at birth in a hospital mix-up, and face a horrifying dilemma: do they keep the sons they have raised and loved, or reclaim their biological child?
“Living a waking nightmare, Pete (James Norton) and Maddie (Niamh Algar) are jettisoned into the world of the other couple; Miles (James McArdle) and Lucy (Jessica Brown Findlay).
“At first it seems all four are agreed on a solution, but it soon becomes clear that hidden motives are at play. How far can each couple trust the real parents of their child – or even each other?
“As Pete and Maddie are stretched to breaking point, they realise they will stop at nothing to keep their family together.”
The drama is produced by Studiocanal and Rabbit Track Pictures, the production company co-founded by James Norton and Katie Hewitt.
ITV Drama Commissioner Helen Perry commented: “Playing Nice is an enthralling thriller with a knotty moral dilemma at its heart.
“Not only will viewers be hooked, they’ll be left questioning ‘What would I do…?’ As Grace Ofori-Attah’s superb script raises questions about the nature of parenting and how far we’ll go for those we love.”
When is Playing Nice released and on TV?
Happy Valley star James Norton will star alongside Niamh Algar from Channel 4’s The Virtues as two couples discover their children were switched at birth in a mix-up.
(Image: ITV)
Playing Nice will premiere on ITV1 and STV at 9pm on Sunday, January 5, with the second episode to be aired at the same time slot on Monday, January 6.
Future episodes are scheduled to air on both Monday and Sunday in the same primetime slot on Sunday, January 12 and Monday, January 13.
How many episodes are in Playing Nice?
New ITV drama Playing Nice is an adaptation penned by Grace Ofori-Attah
(Image: ITV)
There are four episodes in Playing Nice, with each episode approximately under an hour in length. All episodes will be available to be streamed on ITVX and STV Player from Sunday, January 5.
Who is in the cast of Playing Nice?
James McArdle and Jessica Brown Findlay are set to star in the four part series Playing Nice
(Image: ITV)
James Norton stars as Pete, a concerned father who learns his child was swapped at birth. The English actor previously appeared in Happy Valley, Grantchester, War & Peace and McMafia.
Irish actress Niamh Algar appears as Maddie, Pete’s wife. Views may recognise her from Channel 4’s The Virtues, MotherFatherSon, Raised by Wolves, Censor and Pure.
James McArdle plays Miles, who also discovers his child was swapped at birth – but he wants to gain custody of both boys. The Scottish actor previously appeared in The Mare of Easttown, Andor, Sexy Beast and Ammonite.
Jessica Brown Findlay, known for her role on Downton Abbey, stars as Miles’ wife. She is also known for roles in Black Mirror, Harlots, Life After Life and England Is Mine.
The wider cast includes Cara Mahoney, Posy Sterling, Lucy Phelps, Phillippe Spall and Akbar Kurtha.