Channel 5, Network 10 Commission Danny Dyer-Led Thriller

The U.K.’s Channel 5 and Australia’s Network 10 and Fremantle Australia have commissioned Heat, an action thriller led by EastEnders star Danny Dyer.

Taking place in Australia, the four-part series sees two families who are longtime friends travel to a secluded home for a summer vacation during bushfire season. As secrets and lies unravel, the house becomes a tinderbox, and not everyone will make it out alive.

Dyer is joined by Darren McMullen (Doctor Doctor, Christmas on the Farm), Jane Allsop (House Husbands, Mrs. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries), Pia Miranda (Wentworth, Mustangs FC), Olympia Valance (Informer 3838, Playing for Keeps), Richie Morris (Neighbours) and newcomers Matia Marks, Matteo Annetta and Hunter Hayden.

Heat is being filmed exclusively in Victoria, Australia, and has received financial investment from VicScreen. It is created by Fremantle Australia’s Jason Herbison (Lie With Me). Herbison, Anthony Ellis and Margaret Wilson are writing the series, and Kate Kendall (Neighbours, Playing for Keeps) is directing.

The series is expected to debut on Channel 5 and Network 10 in 2023. Fremantle is handling international distribution.

“Can’t wait to get amongst this beautiful piece of work in Australia,” Dyer said. “I’ve always been intrigued about working there. It’s my first gig since my long stint at EastEnders. Really powerful dark script and a strong Australian cast and crew. Let’s have it!”

Greg Barnett, commissioning editor of factual entertainment and unscripted at Channel 5 and Paramount+, said, “I’m delighted Danny is joining Channel 5 for his first major drama project post EastEnders. Heat is a suspenseful and nail-biting thriller, and I can’t wait to see him bring his great talent and energy to it.”

“We are thrilled to team up with Channel 5 and Fremantle once again, for another superb drama series,” added Daniel Monaghan, senior VP of content and programming at Paramount Australia & New Zealand. “The accomplished cast is fantastic, and they will do a sensational job of bringing this gripping story to life on screen. We can’t wait to get started.”

Herbison said, “I’m excited to partner with 5 and 10 once again for this tense family thriller and ecstatic to have such an accomplished cast on board to bring it to life, along with Kate Kendall directing and Natalie Mandel driving the production.”