However, Elliot’s behaviour towards Rachel and Liam becomes increasingly controlling, and when Rachel starts to dig into his past, she uncovers a dark and disturbing story from his childhood that explains his obsession with them.

Starring alongside Tointon will be Charlie Hodson-Prior (Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical) as her son Liam, Allen Leech (Downton Abbey) as Elliot, Sara Powell (Doctor Who) as his associate Simone, and Taj Atwal (Hullraisers) as Jasmine, Rachel’s best friend and colleague.

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Meanwhile, John Thomson (Professor T) will also feature as Rachel’s boss Geoff. The series is set to begin filming on location in Ireland this month. It comes from Story Films, the production company behind Deceit and The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe.

Sebastian Cardwell, Paramount’s deputy chief content officer for the UK, said: “I’m delighted to be working on another project with the talented team at Story Films. Equipped with a compelling script and stellar cast, The Hunted (w/t) is another exciting addition to our ever-growing Drama slate.”

Tointon became known for her role as Dawn Swann in EastEnders, but last year admitted that she can’t see herself returning to the soap.

She said: “Every year I get asked about it. It’s the thing I’m most known for, that I was most watched in, but I really enjoy doing lots of other things so I can’t see it, no.”