The Rumour (2025) s01e02 Episode Script

1
I just moved here.
First day jitters, eh?
I honestly think
I'm more nervous than my son is!
The going theory is that
you came to Flinstead
to escape a bad relationship.
You can't make these decisions
without me, Jo.
That's my boy, too.
It's me and Alfie on our own
most of the time,
and this is where I want us to be.
You're really special, Joanna.
I hope you know that.
Who's Sally McGowan? Not the one
who butchered that little boy?
When the bad ones are released,
they give them a new identity.
Sonia Martins. That's my bet.
Sonia's my neighbour.
You're the monsters, the lot of you!
You have no idea what you've done.
I got my photos taken
at the post office.
Was it a passport photo?
What's that?
This your place, then?
I'm Zac Cooper from The Post.
I got a call that Sally McGowan
was living here.
No, it's the wrong house.
Graffiti's on your garage.
What, and you think
that's directed at Sally?
Yeah.
Sort of, er, "We heard the rumour,
now we've come to kill you,"
sort of thing.
Sonia lives next door.
Sonia, was it?
Got a last name?
I'll ask around.
I don't suppose you happen to know
who it might be -
any other possibilities?
I think you should go.
Are you sure? Last chance.
Picture in the paper, quote?
No, thank you.
OK.
Excuse me?
Yeah.
Who told you Sally McGowan
was living here?
I don't know,
she didn't leave a name.
I told you
all this would lead to no good.
Oh, yeah, thanks, Mum.
That's exactly what I wanna hear (!)
I'm on your side always.
Oh!
But I just really can't believe
Sonia would graffiti your garage,
let alone
I can't go back to that house.
Not with Alfie.
SIGHS
Well, you're welcome
to stay here again tonight.
Stay as long as you want.
Hm.
Right.
Here's some cleaning fluid.
Keep it away from Alfie.
Hm.
And I'll get some more rags.
Yeah, I'll give you a hand.
No, it's all right.
Don't mind her.
She's a bit funny about her studio.
She doesn't really like anyone else
setting foot in there.
Ruins the energy or something.
Yeah. Is it safe to have that
in the house?
Yeah, it's perfectly fine.
As long as you don't store it
next to an open flame.
Liz is very careful. Don't worry.
Now
I must get back, or I'm not gonna
get it done in time.
Can we have a look at it yet?
No, it's not ready.
DOOR CLOSES
SIGHS
I hate to see you stressed out
like this.
And it can't be good for Alfie
after all this disruption.
I know. Everything I'm doing
is to protect him, Mum.
SIGHS
Michael's back in town, by the way.
I thought he still had
a few more weeks out on the rig?
Yeah, well, he came back early.
I thought I should let you know.
Well, you know me.
Keep my own counsel on that front.
That is literally
the opposite of you, Mum.
Fine, well,
I'll just say this, then.
You chose a man
who wasn't ever gonna be around.
Oh
Why do you think that is?
Please stop with
the TV therapy stuff.
He's not Dad.
Isn't he?
You get to act out being left
over and over with him.
Oh, so it's my fault?
I'm not saying that.
It takes two.
He's playing his part
just as much as you are.
Right.
Well, if he shows up here,
just let me know.
Why would he come here?
What's going on?
I don't know. Maybe nothing.
SIGHS
BELL RINGS
Joanna?
Oh, hi. Sorry I'm late.
Where's Alfie?
Oh, you just missed them.
Them? Oh, did my mum?
I thought you knew.
His father took him.
Michael, where are you?
Call me when you get this.
Anita, have you seen Alfie?
You've lost your son?
No, his dad's taken him.
RINGING
Sorry, no. Are you?
Thanks.
Mum?
'Have you found him yet?'
No. I called Michael's hotel.
They've not seen him
since this morning.
'I don't understand, Joanna.'
Look, he took Alfie to get
his passport taken yesterday
behind my back.
'I knew something was going on
with Michael.'
God knows what he's planning.
Is there anywhere else
he might have taken him?
Yeah. Look, I've gotta go.
You keep looking.
MICHAEL LAUGHS
That was a good one!
Come on. Alfie. We're going.
Please, not yet.
No, come on, darling.
You just wait by the car, darling.
You must think I'm stupid.
What?
You want a fight,
I'll give you a fight.
What are you talking about?
Pick him up from school, take him
to have a photo behind my back -
I know what you're doing.
Yeah, so what?
You're not taking him from me.
I won't let you.
What the?
Is that what you think of me?
Come on.
Oh! It's you who took him away
from me!
Sorry I'm late.
It's been a busy morning.
Oh.
Do you need to I don't know,
test the paint or anything?
Well, we don't usually get the
forensics out for bits of graffiti.
It's clearly a threat.
And I've got a little boy.
Most likely
some kids making trouble.
I wouldn't get too worked up
about it.
There's only one person
that would have reason to do this.
Please don't tell me you believe
the rumour about Sally McGowan.
Isn't this proof that she's here?
What do you mean?
Everybody's saying that it's Sonia,
and she's my neighbour.
She lives right next door.
You think Sonia did this?
Well, who else?
And she thinks I started it.
Did you?
No! No.
Anyway
All right.
Why don't I just ask her?
KNOCKING
Looks like she's not in.
The way I see it,
there's a lot of reasons
why someone might not want people
digging around in their past.
Sally McGowan or no.
I'll ask around.
Thank you.
CAR DOOR OPENS,
CLOSES
Alfie's still not invited
to the Halloween party.
Don't worry about it.
He'll have a great night anyway.
What if something happens to him?
EXHALES
Like what?
Well, like happened
to that little Robbie Harris.
SCOFFS
Don't even say such a thing!
You really do work yourself up.
Oh, I can't stop thinking about it.
His poor mum!
Like, not being able
to protect your little
Joanna, you have to stop this.
Please. You're frightening me.
Sorry. I didn't mean to.
No more of this, OK?
Promise?
Promise.
What do you think?
CHUCKLES
You didn't have to, Mum.
I could have bought something.
Hm.
Plastic tat that'll fall apart
before he gets to the end
of the street.
Now, all we need are some fangs
..and a little bit of fake blood.
Yeah, well, stay away from the blood
if it's all the same.
Nonsense.
What sort of vampire
doesn't have blood on his chin?
PHONE VIBRATING
Someone called Seth calling you?
Anyone I should know about?
Nah.
It's just a work thing.
Tiffany's saying she wants to come
as a little devil.
Girl's this big!
Sexy little devil horns,
it's horrendous.
Is her name Debbie?
LAUGHTER
Touche!
Oh, and I had to get bandages
for Liam's mummy costume.
Anyone else?
Oh, no.
We are 100% princesses at ours.
Oh, Alfie's set on being a vampire.
Just for general trick-or-treating.
Hm.
I heard about the graffiti.
Hm.
Didn't it say, "I'm going
to kill you," or something?
"Rumours kill."
I mean, it had to be Sonia, right?
After the shop window.
I don't know.
The police are dealing with it now.
Hm. I wouldn't hold my breath.
Sorry. No offence, Fatima.
I told you, we're not.
Look, all I'm saying is,
if you want something done round
here, you gotta do it yourself, OK?
Well, if you ask me, I feel
really sorry for Sally McGowan.
She had a really terrible childhood.
No father, no money,
and her mum was a drunk.
Can I see that?
Well, we've all got problems.
Doesn't mean
we go round killing people!
Killing children. She must have
changed a lot since then.
And you're willing to put your
children's lives on that, are you?
Didn't think so.
It says Sally loved to sing
and had a beautiful voice.
Well, you're her neighbour.
Have you ever heard her singing?
No.
No? Do us a favour. Listen out.
Stick a glass to the wall, whatever.
What?
Sorry.
Could I ask a question about
Sonia Martins' rental agreement?
There's no previous addresses,
no references.
No? That's odd.
Er Might be a data entry mix-up.
Is there a hard copy anywhere?
Hm. There might be one in storage.
You're welcome to go
and have a look.
Right. You ready to do this
walkthrough at Kay's house?
Yep. I'll just grab my coat.
Some nice shots. Really try
and emphasise the garden.
I think that's
the best selling point.
Yeah. That's fine. I can do that.
Yeah. And just try
and get that skylight open as well.
I think that'll make
a big difference.
Yeah. I'll open that for you.
Thanks.
It's a bit stiff.
Be good if you could keep quiet
about the whole graffiti thing.
Viewings are down as it is.
Because of Sally McGowan?
We know what people are like.
They think once a killer,
always a killer.
Who's gonna wanna take that risk?
The caterers have messed up.
They got the wrong day
for the party.
Oh, hiya, babe.
Can't we just put out
some cheese and crackers?
Don't be so ridiculous.
This is a really special day
for the kids.
You know Liam's looking forward
to this. I'm sure
Alfie'd love to come.
Oh
Er Actually,
we're just keeping it to family
and Liam's close friends, so
Oh, yeah. No, that's fine.
We're going trick-or-treating
anyway.
Mm. So, can you help me
with the wine delivery
whilst I sort some food?
Yeah, as soon as I'm done here.
Oh, no, I can do Kay's by myself.
Ah, there we go.
You sure?
Yeah, course.
I also need you to help me
set up on the day.
Deb it's a work day.
Sorry, wasn't the whole point
of replacing this other woman
so that you can come home
and spend time with your family?
Absolutely.
Good.
Then we don't need
to discuss it again.
I need a lift. It's freezing.
So, I'll start in here
and then work my way through.
I don't need to be in it, do I?
No, of course not.
OK. I'll make myself scarce.
CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS
CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS
CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS
'That wasn't you, was it?
'Posting about Sally McGowan
on the homeowners forum?'
'I don't know
what you're talking about.'
SOFTLY: Sorry for what?
FOOTSTEPS APPROACH
Alfie! No!
What have I told you
about playing with matches?
They're dangerous!
Sorry. I'm sorry, darling.
I didn't mean to yell.
Come on.
I'm sorry.
You know there was a fire
when I was little, don't you?
Your whole house burnt down.
Yeah. that's right.
We were lucky no-one got hurt.
What about Grandad?
No, no, he was fine.
He'd just moved away, that's all.
Will I ever meet him?
No, darling.
EXHALES
I love you so, so much.
You know that?
How much?
Lots and lots and lots
and lots and lots and lots
And lots and lots and lots and lots.
Come on, let's get some sleep now.
REPORTER: 'There's Sally leading him
up Holton Steps as recorded.
'A passer-by walking his dog
found Robbie's body.
'He had been stabbed multiple times
in the chest and stomach,
'whilst the trail of blood revealed
that he was still alive
'for some minutes
following the attack
'and had crawled in search of help.
'Where do you see yourself
'when you're finally released
back into the community?'
MUFFLED VOICE: 'Living a normal life
somewhere, a small town,
'not too many people.
'Lots of trees and sky, where
no-one knows about me or my past.
'Maybe I'd open a shop
or join the church choir.
'That's what I dream about.'
'That's Sally McGowan's dream.
'Living a normal life,
her past unknown.'
Now's not a good time.
SCOFFS
Good seeing you, too, Bea.
Been too long.
Joanna's busy.
She's putting Alfie to bed.
I just need a minute.
Why don't you come back tomorrow?
I'm not here to fight.
Joanna's got the wrong idea.
Does she, now?
Yes!
I'm not trying to take Alfie away.
I wouldn't do that.
So, why are you here, then?
Because I'm worried.
About Alfie?
No. About Joanna.
She's just fine.
Yeah. Is she, really?
She still hasn't explained
why she left London.
She's left her job.
She left all of her friends.
She's taken Alfie out of his school
on a whim.
There has to be more to this
than bullying.
I am sure she had her reasons.
OK. And has she told you
any of them?
Cos she hasn't told me.
I'm gonna call the school.
I need some answers.
I don't wanna get
in the middle of this.
OK.
Maybe you can't see this
because you two are so similar.
What does that mean?
You think that because
you've been hurt before,
that's all anyone's out
to do to you.
I think you should go now.
HE SIGHS
EXHALES DEEPLY
DOOR CREAKS
I prefer to paint at night.
There's less distractions.
It's very good.
Well, that's
a rather meaningless statement.
I'd rather you told me
what it made you feel.
Like something bad's
about to happen.
I've never been
to a grandparents' day before.
It's grandparents
and special friends.
Aw!
See, you should definitely be here.
She does look at death's door,
poor thing.
Who is that?
Rachel's mum.
Terminal cancer.
Last weeks with the family.
Oh.
Can we go in now?
Well, lead on, my boy.
Hm.
Crikey, it's bedlam in there.
CHUCKLES
Ooh, maybe this is our culprit.
Sorry?
Hm.
We were just wondering who
the secret Photoshop wizard is.
I mean, it's probably
fairly easy to do.
Maybe one of the kids did it.
I really have no idea.
It was already on the pinboard
when I came in.
And you just left it there.
It's just a bit of Halloween fun,
no real harm done.
But Alfie's the only kid with
a dagger going through his chest!
I'm sure none of the mums
would have meant to upset you.
Sally McGowan killed a little boy
with a knife, just like Alfie.
Don't you understand what this is?
Jo.
Yesterday, you were frantic
about Michael, and today, it's this.
You can't go around accusing people
with no proof.
You don't want to end up
End up what?
It's fine, Mum. I'll deal with it.
Deal with it how?
Look, just go back to the class.
Alfie'll be waiting.
SIGHS
Hiya.
Oh!
You OK?
Yeah I guess
I made a bit of a scene.
As you should have. That's not on.
Thank you. Yeah, everyone's looking
at me like I've lost my mind.
Not me. If somebody had done that
to Hayley's picture,
there'd be hell to pay.
Right. I wish I knew who it was.
Hm.
Listen, I'm on a night shift later.
How do you fancy a little tour
of Flinstead's underbelly?
Er I've got a house viewing
later, but, yeah, I've got time.
I mean, all I seem to do
is work and the school run.
Oh, wow!
Ah-ha.
What did this used to be?
Erm
I think it was supposed to be
some sort of luxury retreat,
and then the developer went bust.
So, now all the teenagers
hang out here.
Oh, we've got that
to look forward to, haven't we?
It could be stunning.
Hm-mm. I thought the estate agent
in you might like it.
How long have you lived
in Flinstead?
About six months. We, erm
We wanted to get out of the city
and, you know,
be part of a real community.
But now I just dream about
a crowded tube
and nobody looking at me in the eye.
Oh, a crowded pavement
would make me so happy.
LAUGHS
Queuing up for a restaurant.
Oh, booking everything
two weeks in advance.
No, not for me, but carry on.
Mm. Oh.
So good.
Hm.
Listen, I wouldn't dream
of doing anything so disgusting
around the Flinstead mums, so I'm
trusting that you'll keep my secret.
Aside from all the graffiti
and terrible Photoshop
..how are you finding it here?
It's a bit more eventful
than I'd imagined.
CHUCKLING: Yeah.
A killer amongst us.
Who would have thought it, eh?
Do you still think it's Sonia?
I don't know.
But I do know her last address
was in rehab.
RINGING
'Ellis House. Clare speaking.'
Oh, hi there. My name's Joanna.
I'm calling for some information
about one of your residents.
It's from about ten years ago.
'I'm sorry. We don't give out
personal information.'
It's just they've put you down as
a reference for a rental agreement.
Name's Sonia Martins.
'Yes?'
Could you tell me if she was
in there for alcohol-related issues,
or if she's been previously released
from prison?
'There's no Sonia Martins listed
around that time.'
Are? Are you sure? Sorry.
Do you mind checking again?
'The only Sonia we have that year
is a Sonia Bertram.'
So she changed her name.
'I'm sorry. Look, I don't have
any more information.'
OK. Thank you very much.
It was meant to be a surprise.
I wanted to take you and Alfie
on a holiday.
Somewhere warm with a nice beach.
For which Alfie would need
a passport.
Did you really think we were gonna
go on holiday together?
Do you really think I would try
and take him away from you?
You can't blame me.
That's what it looked like.
Yeah, because you wanted a reason
to be mad at me!
You still haven't explained
whatever it is you're doing here.
Or why you left London.
I don't need to justify anything.
Do you really think
it's a coincidence
that you were Alfie's age when the
fire happened and your dad left you?
Ah, it's got nothing to do with it.
Look, all I'm saying.
Yeah, I know exactly
what you're saying.
You and my mum both.
HE SIGHS
So, me and your mum finally
agree on something.
Is that your way of apologising?
Is it working?
Look, I'm not trying
to take Alfie away from you.
Of course I'm not.
Come on, just talk to me, Jo.
This was hanging up
in Alfie's school.
I don't understand.
Sally McGowan killed
a little boy with a knife.
She's now living in Flinstead,
and Alfie is the only one
with a knife photoshopped onto him.
What, you think Sally did this?
I don't know.
I don't know.
But first the graffiti and now this.
I'm not imagining it.
All right.
All right. Well, I'm here now, OK?
We'll figure this out.
Morning.
Has something happened?
"Local estate agent Joanna Critchley
"has already felt the impact
of a town on edge.
"Her garage was graffitied,
"and she believes the culprit
must be Sally McGowan.
"And it seems one of her neighbours
is the likely suspect."
What? I never said that.
"As locals worry about
their children's safety,
"Joanna is proof
that the threat is very real."
SIGHS
Joanna I warned you.
You promised me
you'd leave it alone.
CROWDS SHOUTING
Jesus.
Oh.
All right, guys,
you need to go home. Thanks, Kate.
CROWD CHANTING
You need to go home.
Off you go. Come on, please.
All right, you will be arrested.
I hope you're proud of yourself.
Off you go.
Go back, please.
Step back now. You.
CHANTING
DROWNS OUT SPEECH
CLATTERING
Sonia, are you there?
It's Joanna from next door.
Sonia?
POLICE SIREN BLARES
What do you want?
Look, the newspaper article.
I never said that.
I'm sure you thought it.
But the journalist twisted my words.
What reason have you got
to be talking about me at all?
We just wanna know the truth.
I've had people spit at me
on the street because of this.
So I'm leaving bloody Flinstead.
I'm sorry.
What difference does
the truth make, anyway?
You'll all just believe
whatever you want.
But if you're not Sally McGowan
And if I am,
do you think I deserve all this?
No, but
Do you think when I leave town,
your life will be safe forever?
Of course not.
If I were you, I'd keep
to your own side of the fence.
You've got a little boy
to look after.
Leave Alfie out of this.
Leave me alone.
That's all I'm asking for.
It was about 40, 50 people.
It was scary, honestly.
Ooh! They're like a mob
out for blood.
And this Sonia woman,
did she threaten you?
It's all just got so much bigger
than I ever imagined.
Where's Alfie?
Well, he must be here somewhere.
I'll look down here.
You check the house.
Alfie?
Hi. Is Alfie here?
Yes, inside, yes.
Thank you.
Alfie.
You should know better
than to walk into strangers' houses.
I'm hardly a stranger.
Yeah, sorry.
I think I'm just a bit on edge
with all this Sally McGowan stuff.
These things, once they start,
hard to put a stop to them.
Yeah, I guess I'm new to how quickly
things spread in a small town.
Flinstead's not as bad as some.
I've lived in places
where you can't change your pants
without everyone knowing.
You moved around a lot, then?
My job was in the Army.
Never stayed in one place
for very long.
Right. Come on, then. Shall we go?
Alfie? Could you do me a favour?
Put the bowl outside for me.
Thank you.
If you ever want me to look
after him, I would be delighted to.
Thank you.
Come on, Alfie. Here we go.
Let's find your dad.
Can you put 'em there?
Thank you.
Thank you.
HALLOWEEN TOYS CACKLE
This is Debbie's house.
I think we should skip this one.
Alfie!
Why? It looks great.
It looks like we're going in.
Let's just grab him and go.
It's just close friends and family.
I don't really think
we're that welcome here.
Well, it looks like
it's all comers to me.
Oh, I know them.
Joanna!
Oh, we're not staying.
Still, glad you came.
Hiya.
Hey.
I'm Rachel. You must be Alfie's dad.
Michael.
Yeah, that's me.
And I'm Fatima.
We've heard frustratingly
very little about you.
Oh! Joanna being
her usual oversharing self.
DEBBIE: OK, kids.
Time for the chocolate hunt.
Off you go. Outside.
CHUCKLING
She does this little
chocolate hunt outside.
Aw.
Aw.
Erm I'm gonna go over there
and make a pig of myself.
Excuse me. I'm starving.
He's lovely.
Yeah, we're not really together
at the moment.
Well, I'd keep him around
while Sonia's next door.
Oh, I think she's moving.
Really?
Hm.
Oh, I'll go and spread
the good news.
SPOOKILY: Ooh!
Oh!
GIGGLING
INAUDIBLE
Eyeball?
Sorry. No, thanks.
It's gonna be fun getting the kids
to bed tonight after all that sugar.
I'm not even gonna bother.
I'm just gonna let him go all night.
Debbie, I'm so sorry, Alfie
Oh, no, no. Erm
What's this about Sonia leaving?
Oh. Yeah.
Huh!
Looks like that petition worked.
Erm
Stephen, can you come and help me
in the kitchen, please?
Yeah. Coming.
Now!
Don't worry. It's not you.
Er
Stephen had an affair
with the girl who had your job
before you at Pegton's.
Oh.
I mean, they got back together,
obviously, but, you know,
Debbie's paranoid
he's gonna do it again.
I didn't know.
Oh, what you got?
Oh!
They need filling up.
Go on, then.
Now, remember, you only go into the
houses with the pumpkins outside.
EXCITED CHATTERING
Over here!
FIREWORKS BANG
Where are they?
Check inside.
Where are the sweets?
Maybe upstairs.
I dare you. You go first.
I can see a light on.
BEA: This is a nightmare.
You targeted that poor woman.
Now she's dead. You need
to leave this to the police.
What if it's my fault she's dead?
What if it wasn't a suicide?
It looks like there was foul play.
So it was murder?
Would you say you were friendly
with Miss Martins? No, but
You did believe
she was Sally McGowan.
'Everyone blames me for the rumour.'
This isn't a game, Jo.
The killer's still out there!
Who are you?
Really?
Are you Sally McGowan?