Is Witness Number 3 based on a true story?
The 'terrifying' new Netflix thriller is gripping fans as we see if there's a real-life case behind the new drama
A 'terrifying' new thriller has landed on Netflix and viewers want to know: is Witness Number 3 based on a true story?
If you love psychological shows about crime and enjoyed The Crowded Room on Apple+ and BBC's The Sixth Commandment - or are looking forward to their much-anticipated release The Woman in the Wall - then this tense drama will be right up your street.
A post shared by Channel 5 (@channel5_tv)
A photo posted by on
Witness Number 3 first aired on Channel 5 last year but is now reaching a whole new audience on Netflix, with many new viewers now wanting the show's ending explained.
It follows Jodie (played by Bodyguard's Nina Toussaint-White) who in a 'sliding doors' moment finds her life turned upside down after becoming the key witness in a brutal crime. We reveal, is Witness Number 3 based on a true story?
Is Witness Number 3 based on a true story?
No, Witness Number 3 is not based on a true story. It's completely fictional and follows the story of single mum Jodie, who is the last person to witness a killer and his victim before a murder.
Jodie's life is turned upside down after becoming a key witness in the crime, forcing her to enter police protection. But when a gang is sent to silence her, will the murderer face justice and will she get out unscathed?
Is Witness Number 3 based on book?
No, Witness Number 3 is not based on book. The four-part series was written for Channel 5 by Thomas Eccleshare, who is better known as a playwright.
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
It recently dropped on Netflix, winning a whole new audience of fans gripped by the tense crime thriller.
A post shared by Channel 5 (@channel5_tv)
A photo posted by on
Who is the cast of Witness Number 3?
The Netflix drama has an epic line of stars, including Nina Toussaint-White from Bodyguard, and Susan Johnston, best known for her role in hit BBC comedy The Royle Family.
A post shared by Nina Toussaint-White (@ninatw)
A photo posted by on
Nina Toussaint-White told her Instagram followers that filming Witness Number 3 had been a challenge as she was a new mum at the time.
She said: "Thank you so much to the amazing cast and crew who made it possible for me to take on this role. Fresh into mummahood, breastfeeding/pumping round the clock, sleep deprived from baby’s teething and the god awful four month regression, I felt incredibly held and supported by this wonderful team."
The Witness Number 3 cast
- Nina Toussaint-White as Jodie Packer (previous roles include Bodyguard, Doctor Who and Casualty)
- Susan Johnstone OBE as Cathy, Jodie's mother (previous roles including Brookside, The Royle Family and Waking the Dead)
- Sion Daniel Young as PC Ivan Barkas (previous roles include Private Peaceful, The Left Behind, and Keeping Faith)
- Clare Dunne as Detective Whelan (previous roles include Nice Night For It, The Cherishing and The Donmar Warehouse's All-Female Shakespeare Trilogy)
- Cole Martin as Jodie's son (previous roles include My Name is Leon)
- Ruaridh Mollica as Po (previous roles include Too Rough and Tell it to the Bees)
Witness Number 3 release date
Witness Number 3 was first released on Channel 5 on 18 July 2022. All four episodes are now available to stream on Netflix.
📺 Just finished Witness number 3 on Netflix. Soooo good 👌 suspense, twists and a good ending for once 👏 #witnessnumber3 pic.twitter.com/Gavmc2wMhgAugust 4, 2023
In other TV news, we reveal is The Crowded Room based on a true story, Is The Bear based on a true story and the Pain Hustlers true story too.
Maddy Biddulph is a freelance journalist specialising in lifestyle and family-focused content. With 25 years in consumer media, she has worked as a writer and editor for some of the bestselling newspapers, magazines and websites in the UK and US. As a mum of two art-obsessed daughters, Daphne and Esther, Maddy is always looking for parenting hacks to make life easier. She is also a Level 3 personal trainer, and creates energising workouts for busy mums who need some me time.
-
Balamory is back after two decades - why we can’t wait for the reboot of the iconic BBC series
What's the story in Balamory? Now you can find out, as the BBC announces the return of the beloved children's series nearly 20 years after the final episode aired.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Is Francesca in Bridgerton gay? With more great representation in the show, this expert shares how to start the conversation around sexuality with your teen if they’re watching
Is Francesca in Bridgerton gay? It's a question many have asked, and you might need to have conversations around sexuality with your teen if they’re watching.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Is Eric a true story? Benedict Cumberbatch lives every parent’s worst nightmare in new Netflix show
Is Eric a true story? Every parent’s worst nightmare plays out in Netflix's latest show, against a backdrop of 80s New York grappling with AIDS and racism.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Normal People season 2 rumours are circulating, and we have our own Marianne and Connell 'first love' stories to share
Normal People season 2 rumours are flying around, and we have our own Marianne and Connell moments to share - because everyone remembers their first heartbreak.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Channel 4 drama The Gathering explores 'toxic teenagers and their even more toxic parents' in an online world dominated by social media
New Channel 4 drama explores the challenges of impossible standards set by social media, and how parents themselves become toxic in their need to protect their kids.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Is Brandy pregnant? Bluey fans think the Heelers could be about to welcome a new cousin following the season 3 finale
Eagle-eyed Bluey viewers are wondering if Aunt Brandy is pregnant, following a touching moment in the season three finale.
By Ellie Hutchings Published
-
Is Bluey ending? What we know about the rumours around the kids' cartoon, as the Heelers put their house up for sale
Bluey's producer has shared an update on the show's future
By Ellie Hutchings Published
-
CoComelon has been accused of being 'overstimulating' - the experts explain why it's ok to let your kid watch the popular cartoon
CoComelon is adored by kids around the world, but some experts have shared reasons they don't think children should be watching - we look at both sides of the argument.
By Lucy Wigley Published