They say that it’s always the quiet ones. And wallflower Rhiannon Lewis (Ella Purnell, Fallout) is as quiet as they come. Undermined, undervalued and unseen in her world, Rhiannon typically avoids all of life’s confrontations.

So, how does Rhiannon offset all this pent-up exasperation? She invents a kill list, featuring everyone from her boss who overlooks her well-deserved promotion to the local supermarket worker who mishandles her groceries and the boy that won’t text her back. But what has been a fantasy is all about to change.

When Rhiannon’s vicious school bully moves back to town, Rhiannon is pushed to breaking point – and the consequences are deadly. But Rhiannon finds a new lease of life, and everyone around her notices. The question is: how long can she keep her secret under wraps before temptation strikes again?

The six-parter is inspired by award-winning author CJ Skuse’s novel, part of a black comedy trilogy that has earned her legions of fans. Purnell takes on the leading role and is joined by Nicôle Lecky (Mood), Jon Pointing (Big Boys), Calam Lynch (Benediction) and Leah Harvey (Foundation). And telly favourites Jeremy Swift (Ted Lasso), Dustin Demri-Burns (Stath Lets Flats), Dino Kelly (Trigger Point) and Ingrid Oliver (Doctor Who) round off the ensemble support.

Bringing it to the small screen are a creative team well versed in stories about frustrated women trying to take control of their lives. Award-winning director Ella Jones worked on comedy drama Back To Life, in which Daisy Haggard’s newly released ex-convict gets fed up with being overlooked and shunned. Composer Isobel Waller-Bridge and costume designer Jo Thompson are veterans of groundbreaking comedy Fleabag (created by Waller-Bridge’s sister Phoebe), while production designer Simon Walker is part of the team behind We Are Lady Parts, the acclaimed sitcom about an all-female all-Muslim punk band. 

Can’t wait to tune in? Don’t miss any of the action as Sweetpea hits screens from 9pm on Thursday 10 October on Sky Showcase HD (CH 109). Not only that, all six episodes will be dropping in shiny ultra high definition as a Box Set in On Demand. Perfect for binge watching!

Read on to find out who’s who in Sweetpea’s star-studded cast and where else you can catch them now on Virgin TV.

Ella Purnell

Ella Purnell is Rhiannon, a shrinking violet with a dark side and a liberating taste for vengeance.

She says… “Rhiannon doesn’t have to be likeable, she’s a serial killer. I’m not interested in her being likeable, I’m interested in her being relatable. Rhiannon believes that there are good people and there are bad people, and that the bad people deserve to die.”

Where else can I see her?

• Fallout (Apps > Prime Video)
• Yellowjackets (Paramount+)
• Star Trek: Prodigy (Apps > Netflix)
• Army Of The Dead (Apps > Netflix)

Nicôle Lecky

Nicôle Lecky is Julia, queen bee and Rhiannon’s school bully who’s hiding a few dirty secrets of her own.

She says… “Julia’s a compelling character because there are all these layers to her. At first, she’s sparkly and shiny but, bit by bit, you realise there’s something much darker going on and she doesn’t have the perfect life.”

Where else can I see her?

• Mood (Apps > BBC iPlayer)
• Sense8 (Apps > Netflix)
• Bloods (Sky Comedy on demand)
• Death In Paradise (Apps > BBC iPlayer)

Jon Pointing

Jon Pointing is Craig, a man of simple pleasures and Rhiannon’s love interest who’s been ghosting her since they hooked up.

He says… “Some will love him. Some will maybe hate him. He’s not a bad person – there is a sweetness to him. He thinks it’s not that deep and maybe he’s trying to avoid the complications of going out with his boss’s daughter. He’s just a little bit dim so that’s quite fun to play around with.”

Where else can I see him?

• Big Boys (Apps > Channel 4)
• Queenie (Apps > Channel 4)
• Smothered (Sky Comedy on demand)
• Pls Like (Apps > BBC iPlayer)
• Plebs (Apps > ITVX)

Calam Lynch

Calam Lynch is AJ, Rhiannon’s affable, charming and handsome co-worker who sees a completely different side to her.

He says… “What draws AJ to Rhiannon initially is the fact he can’t quite figure her out. And then the more they get to know each other, I think he sees her for who she is, which is a really smart, funny, acerbic, hot person.”

Where else can I see him?

• The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power (Apps > Prime Video)
• Bridgerton (Apps > Netflix)
• Archie (Apps > ITVX)
• The Long Shadow (Apps > ITVX)
• Black Beauty (Apps > Disney+)

Leah Harvey

Leah Harvey is Marina, a smart and driven junior detective who wants to prove themselves by solving a mysterious murder case.

They say… “There’s a strong connection between my character and Rhiannon, in terms of feeling overlooked and unseen, trying to make people see them. They kind of mirror each other, but they have very different intentions.”

Where else can I see them?

• A Gentleman In Moscow (Paramount+)
• Les Misérables (Apps > BBC iPlayer)
• Fighting With My Family (Apps > Netflix)

When is Sweetpea on TV?

Sweetpea airs on Thursday 10 October at 9pm on Sky Showcase (CH 109). All six episodes will also be available as a Box Set in On Demand.