Stay Close

Dark Secrets come back to haunt a trio of individuals in Netflix’s latest blockbuster, Stay Close. Peter Gray reports.

With a screenplay by writer of the moment, Harlan Coben, and a star studded cast to boot, Netflix’s Stay Close looks like another winner for the streaming platform.

Following hot on the heels of The Stranger and Safe, much is expected of Coben’s latest project, which forms part of the writer’s mega money multi project deal with Netflix.

The new series, which is based around Coben’s 2012 best seller of the same name, follows a trio of individuals whose dark secrets come back to haunt them in the most devastating ways possible.

With drama and suspense aplenty, Stay Close poses a simple question: how much can we ever really know about someone?

Well, here’s everything you need to know about Netflix’s new blockbuster, Stay Close:

What is Stay Close about?

Working mum Megan, failed photographer Ray, and detective Broome are all hiding dark secrets. When an old friend of Megan returns with some shocking news, however, the threesome risk being exposed in the most horrible ways possible.

“As the past comes back to haunt them, threatening to ruin their lives and the lives of those around them, what will be their next move?” says the official synopsis for the series on the Netflix website.

Writer Harlan Coben said: “I am so happy and excited to Stay Close (pun intended) with Danny Brocklehurst, Nicola Shindler and Richard Fee — the same team that made The Stranger, Safe and The Five.

And talk about a dream-come-true cast – Cush Jumbo, an incendiary and awesome talent; Jimmy Nesbitt, a legendary actor I always wanted to collaborate with; and wow, Richard Armitage back again! Netflix has been a wonderful home, and from what I’ve seen so far, Stay Close will be our most gripping and binge-able series yet.”

Stay Safe is the latest instalment in Coben’s big money deal with Netflix which will see the streaming platform turn several of his best selling novels into TV shows and films.

Who is starring in Stay Close?

Cush Jumbo plays Megan in Stay Close. A busy suburban mum, Megan hides a wild past and a growing sense of dissatisfaction.

Jumbo said of the role: “I’m so excited to work alongside Netflix, Nicola and the whole team on Stay Close. Can’t wait to get my teeth into such a brilliant British thriller.”

James Nesbitt (Cold Feet, The Missing) stars opposite Jumbo as Ray. A talented photographer, Ray now finds himself in a dead end job pandering to celebrity obsessed rich kids.

James Nesbitt added: “I’m thrilled to be part of such a great production. The scripts drew me in from the get-go and I am looking forward to starting filming.”

Richard Armitage (The Stranger, The Hobbit, Hannibal) completes the trio as detective Broome. Obsessed with a cold case from years ago, Jack’s life has become one of regrets and undelivered promise.

Armitage says of his role in Stay Close: “I can’t wait to return to Manchester to work with Nicola, Danny, Harlan and the team again. I love Harlan’s style and this plot and character will be brilliantly challenging. At a time when we have remained apart; Stay Close promises to break all the rules.”

The series also features Eddie Izzard (Ocean’s Twelve) as small town lawyer Harry, Jo Joyner (Ordinary Lies) as quick witted detective Erin, and Andi Osho (Line of Duty) playing a retired ex-army sergeant called Simona.

Who’s behind the camera on Stay Close?

Stay Close has been devised by the same team who put together The Stranger and Safe: Nicola Shindler, Harlan Coben, Danny Brocklehurst, and Richard Fee.

Author Coben was clearly delighted to reteam with the trio. He said: “I am so happy and excited to Stay Close (pun intended) with Danny Brocklehurst, Nicola Shindler and Richard Fee — the same team that made The Stranger, Safe and The Five. And talk about a dream-come-true cast – Cush Jumbo, an incendiary and awesome talent; Jimmy Nesbitt, a legendary actor I always wanted to collaborate with; and wow, Richard Armitage back again!”