Andrew Lincoln to Lead ITV Thriller 'Cold Water'

Many American viewers likely only know the name Andrew Lincoln because of AMC's megapopular zombie franchise The Walking Dead (possibly with a dash of the "To me, you are perfect" scene from Love Actually on top). Lincoln starred as gritty, long-suffering sheriff Rick Grimes on the flagship series for nearly a decade, before popping up in its limited-run spin-off The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live earlier this year

Anglophiles, however, are already aware that Lincoln had a long history on British television well before he ever became a genre star across the pond, appearing in properties as diverse as Teachers, Afterlife, and Wuthering Heights. And the actor is finally set to return to his roots with a starring role in the upcoming ITV thriller Cold Water. 

The drama, which will mark Lincoln's first appearance on British TV since 2010's Strike Back, is set in the fictional Scottish village of Coldwater and follows the story of a repressed man undergoing an identity crisis. 

Lincoln plays John, a middle-aged man chafing suddenly at his life as a stay-at-home father. After deciding to move his family out of London, he becomes immediately drawn into the orbit of his neighbor Tommy, a pillar of the local community who runs the village's all-male book group, has some intense opinions, and harbors horrifying (and potentially violent) secrets of his own. 

And when John's long-repressed rage finally comes to a head, he'll find himself unexpectedly indebted to a man who may not be everything he appears.

Alongside Lincoln, the ensemble cast will also include Ewen Bremner (Our Flag Means Death), Indira Varma (Obsession), and Eve Myles (Hijack)

The six-part series is written by David Ireland who, in addition to being a successful playwright, also recently penned the Sky/Sundance Now series The Lovers. Lee Haven (Doctor Who) will direct the first three episodes.

“Cold Water started with a question I was asking myself. Where do I want to live – the countryside or the city?" Ireland said in a statement.  "Such an innocent beginning, but from it came this dark, funny, twisted thriller. I was delighted when Sister loved the script and thrilled when ITV decided to commission it.  And I’m amazed we’ve managed to attract such a peerless cast, led by the formidable Andrew Lincoln. I hope viewers will find it intoxicating.”

The series will be executive produced by Chris Fry (Landscapers), Alice Tyler (The Following Events are Based on a Pack of Lies), Lydia Hampson (Fleabag), Jane Featherstone (Eric), Ireland, and Lincoln. Brian Coffey (Dinosaur) will produce. International distribution will be handled by ITV Studios.

Filming on Cold Water is due to begin later in 2024, with further casting and production details to be confirmed in due course.