Sheridan Smith Is
Thrillers have long mastered an award-winning formula, blending edge-of-your-seat suspense with gripping storytelling. And when that story is led by the ever-brilliant Sheridan Smith, it's hard not to have high expectations.
ITV has just commissioned a new six-part thriller, led by Smith and set against the striking backdrop of Western Australia. The show has already generated plenty of excitement behind the scenes. ITV Drama Commissioner Callum Dziedzic said that from 'the very first script, it felt like we'd struck gold', praising creator Helen Fitzgerald for crafting 'a propulsive, twisty thriller with real humanity'.
If that wasn't enough to pique your interest, here's everything else you need to know about Two Birds.
Two Birds follows British police constable Izzie Cornwell (Sheridan Smith), who relocates to the small Australian town of Dugdale in search of a fresh start after the death of her husband. Hoping to reconnect with her sister and repair her fractured relationship with her 20-year-old daughter, Izzie is determined to leave her past behind.
But on the eve of starting her new role with the local police force, one reckless decision leaves Izzie harbouring a devastating secret that threatens to unravel her new life before it has even begun.
As she struggles to keep the truth under wraps, Izzie is partnered with homicide detective Matt (Stephen Peacocke) to investigate the murder of a local woman. When the victim is linked to the town's notorious Baxter crime family, led by the formidable Mrs Baxter (Judy Davis), the stakes quickly escalate. With the investigation closing in and her own secret becoming harder to conceal, Izzie finds herself caught between duty, guilt and survival in a gripping thriller full of twists.
Leading the cast is BAFTA award-winning Sheridan Smith (The Cage, Mrs. Biggs), who ITV's Callum Dziedzic describes as 'perfect in the lead'. Smith commented: 'I'm thrilled to be playing the irresistibly complex Izzie Cornwell who is in search of new beginnings in Australia. Helen Fitzgerald has created a dream role for me, as Izzie, through no fault of her own, becomes embroiled in a web of secrets and lies.'
Alongside her will be Stephen Peacocke (Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, Me Before You) playing Matt, the police detective who works alongside Izzie on the case and Judy Davis (High Tide, Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows) as Mrs Baxter, the formidable matriarch of a the local crime family.
The wider cast has not yet been named but looks to highlight the talented local pool of Australian actors.
Filming is currently taking place in Western Australia, in and around the city of Perth and the rarely-seen-on-screen landscape of Kalgoorlie, a remote mining town.
The series currently has no official release date but with filming having already begun, it's likely for the launch to be in 2027. Viewers will be able to watch the thriller on ITV and ITVX.
Not yet, a full trailer likely won't be released until closer to its scheduled premiere date. For now, fans will have to wait in suspense for a little while longer.
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Charlotte Cunnane is a Hearst Next Gen Associate, working within the ELLE team and across both print and digital. Reporting on all things culture, she covers everything from must watch crime thrillers to modern day dating, while also regularly updating the horoscopes section.
Charlotte graduated with a first-class degree and has since spent her time working in numerous creative roles across the media industry, with a focus in luxury fashion.
When not writing pieces for ELLE, Charlotte can be found mooching around local flea markets and exploring London's most coveted bakeries. Follow Charlotte on Instagram at @charlottecunnane.