Midsomer Murders star to take over from Sheridan Smith in 'gripping' thriller

Midsomer Murders and The Crown actress Victoria Hamilton has landed a role in the third series of The Teacher.

The thriller anthology programme, which broadcasts on Channel 5, has previously starred Sheridan Smith and Kara Tointon in lead parts.

The compelling first series tracked a teacher accused of sleeping with a student, whilst the second instalment centred on a teacher's lies and deception to hide her affair with a colleague after a pupil vanishes.

READ MORE: Coronation Street star bows out in sad scenes as fans call for U-turn

READ MORE: BBC The Repair Shop makes announcement as fans issue demand

Victoria, 54, is set to play drama teacher Helen, who is "struggling to keep up with modern social expectations in a reputable private school", according to Radio Times.

The plot summary reveals: "Recently promoted to Head of Drama, Helen finds herself being challenged by outspoken pupil Cressida when she stumbles over student Dee's correct pronouns and insists that her class study Shakespeare as opposed to more modern progressive works," reports the Manchester Evening News.

"A sinister grudge match quickly develops between teacher and pupil and, when Dee commits suicide following an argument with Helen, Cressida resorts to blackmail to make Helen pay for her 'outdated' views.

"As the war intensifies and her world comes crashing down around her, Helen must fight to hold on to both her family and her career before she loses everything."

Victoria has formerly appeared in shows including Doctor Foster and The Crown, appeared in Cobra and Life alongside Alison Steadman, and starred in episodes of Midsomer Murders, Call the Midwife, and Jericho.

In a 2020 chat with The Times, she discussed the different positions she'd occupied throughout her career, remarking: "I remember in my twenties dreading hitting 40, not because I was worried about ageing, but because I thought, 'Well, that's when careers end, isn't it?'

"There was a very real sense in the industry that if you hadn't made it by the time you were 30, forget it. That's changed dramatically, thank God."

Additional casting reveals and information for The Teacher, including its anticipated broadcast date, are yet to be announced.

When The Teacher initially premiered in 2022, it received outstanding praise from viewers and reviewers alike.

The series has also featured stars such as Cecilia Noble, Kelvin Fletcher, Will Mellor and Emmett J. Scanlan.

One viewer commented: "I thought this was an extremely good series, with an interesting plot, unexpected twists and turns, and professionally delivered by all involved."

"Sheridan is never better than when playing complicated, flawed women with hearts of gold. She is relishing this role, making us believe that Miss is a dedicated and talented teacher with a gift for bringing literature alive," a Daily Mail critique stated.

A reviewer from The Sunday Independent noted: "Sheridan Smith was terrific as always, and The Teacher did exactly what it said on the tin."

The Teacher is available to watch on 5.