Suchet (pictured, left) will play George, a diabetic father who comes to live next door to daughter Zoe Dalton (Sally Bretton). Zoe seems to have it all, including successful husband Chris (Kenny Doughty), but when she hires an au pair, Sandrine (Makowski, pictured right), the seductive young Frenchwoman triggers a disturbing shift in the household as instincts and suspicions take hold. that point to hidden agendas.
The series "delves deep into the complexities of family, trust and hidden truths, set against the backdrop of the picturesque British countryside," Channel 5 said.
The Au Pair was written by Michael Foott and Andy Bayliss and directed by Oonagh Kearney.
The role is Suchet's first television acting assignment since 2018's Press for the BBC, although he was subsequently part of the voice cast of HBO/BBC's His Dark Materials. Last week it was also revealed that he will be making Travels with Agatha with Sir David Suchet, a documentary re-enacting the author's expeditions. Channel 4 and BritBox are already on board.
Meanwhile, The Au Pair marks a British television debut for Makowski, who plays young Claire in Netflix blockbuster Lupine.
Canal+ Group has bought The Au Pair for France and ITV Studios is selling it worldwide. In a rare move for a British network, and a first for Channel 5, the series is being produced by a non-British company, France's Pernel Media.
After winning the job, Pernel filmed in Ireland and Irish producer MK1 Studios came on board. The series is also producer Pernel's first English-language scripted series.
Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer of Paramount owner Channel 5, described The Au Pair as a “truly international collaboration”.
“We’re delighted to be working with Pernel Media for the first time on this gripping new drama,” he added.
Pernel boss Samuel Kissous said: “This series highlights Pernel Media’s ability to bring international partners such as ITV Studios, Canal+ Group and MK1 Studios together in order to deliver world-class drama.”
Executive producers are Kissous, Paul Testar and Julie Ryan. Series producer is Cormac Fox.
