Is The Drowning based on a true story? Inspiration of Channel 5 series explored

Channel 5’s The Drowning has captivated fans since it began releasing on February 1st but is the series based on a true story?

The Drowning is one of Channel 5’s first original drama series of 2021 and promises to be an enthralling watch.

We follow Jodie (Jill Halfpenny) as she looks to unravel the secrets that surround the appearance of a teenage boy who bears a striking resemblance to her son who went missing nine years previously.

But is The Drowning based on a true story? What’s the inspiration behind the Channel 5 series?

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The Drowning on Channel 5

The Drowning began airing on Channel 5 on February 1st, 2021.

Shown over consecutive nights, the series details the struggles of Jodie, a mother who nine years ago lost her son, Tom, who was believed to have drowned in a lake.

However, when a teenage boy who supposedly resembles Tom appears out of the blue, Jodie is convinced that he is her missing son.

Is The Drowning based on a true story?

No, The Drowning is not based on a true story.

While losing a child and coming to terms with such a loss is something that tragically happens in the real world, the story of Channel 5’s drama is purely fictional.

The Drowning is the creation of Francesca Brill and Luke Watson and while the series make take inspiration from tales of missing children, Jodie’s story was written for the show.

Jill Halfpenny on Jodie’s story

Speaking ahead of The Drowning’s release, Jill Halfpenny, who plays Jodie, is quoted in The Sun saying: “I imagine losing a child has to be the most awful loss one could suffer, that seems very obvious to me.

“I think losing a child under circumstances where you do not fully know what happened is another layer of torture.

“Some of her family think Tom is dead and Jodie thinks he is still alive. She feels it clearly inside her.”

The Drowning continues daily at 9pm on Channel 5 while fans can catch up on any episodes missed on My5.