Some moods call for a warm and fuzzy romance and sometimes you want to embrace the low-level stress and shock that comes with a juicy (and often terrifying) thriller. We want to be on the edge of our seats, constantly guessing and thinking about a series long after we’ve switched the TV off and gone to bed. And ITV has just announced a new series that seems guaranteed to get our minds racing.

Returning to the world of thrillers, Happy Valley’s James Norton is set to star in the new psychological thriller Playing Nice, which will land on our screens in the new year. The four-part series is packed with suspicion, secrets and hard decisions.

Here’s everything we know so far about ITV’s latest thriller.

What is the plot of Playing Nice?

In a terrifying tale, two couples discover that their toddlers were switched at birth and have to navigate an impossible dilemma: do they keep the children they have raised or reclaim their biological child?

One couple, Pete and Maddie, are launched into the world of the other couple, Miles and Lucy. At first, the four of them seem to have reached an agreement. However, suspicions begin to creep in when hidden motives appear to be at play. How far can each couple trust the real parents of their child – or even each other?

Who will star in Playing Nice?

Taking on the role of Pete is James Norton (Happy Valley, A Little Life) with Maddie played by Bafta-nominated actor Niamh Algar (Mary And George, The Wonder). Playing the other couple is James McArdle (The Mare Of Easttown) as Miles and Jessica Brown Findlay (The Flatshare, Black Mirror) as Lucy.

On behalf of Rabbit Track Pictures, Kitty Kaletsky and James Norton both said of the new four-part series: “Playing Nice was the first book we optioned after launching Rabbit Track and we feel immensely proud of the project it has become… We’re thrilled and very excited.”

When will Playing Nice be released?

Playing Nice will air on ITV in 5 January 2025 at 9pm.

Images: ITV