The Rumour (2025) s01e04 Episode Script

1
Forensics report says
she had sedatives in her system.
Sonia Martins was not Sally McGowan.
Everyone blames me for the rumour.
PHONE RINGS
Seth again.
That's not what you think.
Seth is my half brother.
What do you know
about Kay's daughter?
She lives overseas. New Zealand?
She actually lives in Denmark.
Who are you? Really?
Are you Sally McGowan?
You need to stop this right now.
It says Sally loved to sing
and had a beautiful voice.
SINGING
Police think that I was the last
person to see Sonia alive.
And were you? Turns out
Sally McGowan had a baby.
I reckon that relationship
is the key.
'You've no idea
the damage you've done.'
DOG BARKING
DOOR OPENS,
CLOSES
Hey.
Hey.
Alfie in bed already?
Fast asleep. He was asking for you.
So we've got the place to ourselves.
Mm-hm.
Just listen to this.
It says here that she was
always drawing during the trial.
She didn't listen to any
of the lawyers or the witnesses.
Says that, "She was happy
cos she had all the paper
"and pencils that she wanted."
Who does that sound like to you?
Got to be kidding me.
You promised me
you were gonna leave this alone.
Did you hear what I said?
All Liz does is paint.
Liz?
Jo, you've accused two people
already.
One of them is dead.
Now you think it's Liz?
You've known Liz for years.
I know.
Do you remember me telling you
that Sally McGowan had a child?
I was in Liz's studio, and I found
a photo of her with a newborn.
If she's lying about that,
who knows what the real truth is.
Erm your mum, for one.
And if she doesn't?
All right.
Enough, Jo.
I know what happened
at Alfie's London school.
I spoke to his teachers there.
Well, that's got nothing to do
with this.
Oh, bullshit, Jo.
Look, I get it,
but the fire has always made you
so overprotective of him.
That's what all this is about.
But you're getting worse.
He was being bullied.
You screamed at a kid
until he cried.
And apparently the governors
got involved.
I was angry.
I had every right to be.
You threatened a child!
And I'd do it again.
HE SCOFFS
H-How can you be so blind
to the damage this is doing?
Oh, forget that.
You're missing the point.
Please, please, just wait.
Right, Liz had her first exhibition
in 1996,
and there's nothing about her
before that.
But I know she painted all her life.
She wouldn't have stopped in prison.
Who knows how many paintings
she'd have produced?
And people love that sort of thing.
Like, the more famous the killer,
the better.
And Sally McGowan has been
in the papers loads recently.
So I did a search,
and I found this.
"Home" by Sally McGowan.
Painted while she was in Willow
Grange Juvenile Detention Centre.
It's for sale. A grand.
Pick up only in Sheffield.
That's her.
I know it is. That's her painting.
This doesn't look anything like
Liz's work.
I know, but, well, an artist's style
will change and evolve
but not their handwriting
or their signature.
We need to get that painting.
If I can confirm
it's Liz's signature
I can't do this, Jo.
I'm going to bed.
M-Michael
I know this doesn't make any sense.
But I need you to trust me.
Please.
I'm scared for my mum.
HE SIGHS
We've got quite a few viewings
for Arlington House.
I reckon we'll get some offers in.
Yeah, l-leave that with me.
I'm gonna nip and see Kay
Don't
do that.
Something wrong?
Kay Allinson called this morning.
She was not at all happy.
She doesn't want us
to sell the house any more.
She's staying in Flinstead?
No, she's still selling.
She just doesn't want to do it
through Pegton's.
We had a misunderstanding.
So, let me make sure
I've got this right.
You don't think she's Sally McGowan
any more?
People are throwing accusations
around because of you.
Look, I'll I'll go over.
I'll talk to her. I'll apologise.
Just stop. It's too late for that.
I don't have much choice in this,
but, erm
I'm gonna have to review
your employment situation.
You're firing me?
Like I said, it's under review.
Oh, and, er
that abandoned house
on the crescent?
Just leave it.
KNOCKING
Kay, are you in there?
It's Joanna.
I just wanna talk.
Kay?
Shit
Urgh.
SHE COUGHS
Kay. It's Joanna. Can you hear me?
All right,
I'm gonna get you out of here.
KAY GASPS AND COUGHS
OK. Nearly there.
KAY COUGHS
OK. OK.
That's it, Kay.
That's it, keep breathing.
You'll be all right now.
I'll call for help.
I, er
KAY COUGHS
I, er, smelled gas.
And I couldn't breathe.
KAY WHEEZES,
RINGING TONE
So you didn't turn the gas on?
No.
Yeah, ambulance, please.
That's it.
Just try and breathe, Kay.
KAY WHEEZES
JOANNA: Did you have fun with Daddy
in the park?
Good. I'm glad.
What'd you get up to?
We were bird spotting.
Did you? Any good ones?
A black one
..and a robin. That's my favourite.
Is it?
I think it's Nana's favourite too.
Aunt Liz said she can give me
lessons to paint them.
Did she?
Well, that might not be
the best idea right now.
Why not?
I want you to stay away
from Aunt Liz for the time being.
She's just very busy, that's all.
Where's Daddy?
He'll be here soon.
I want Daddy.
I know you do, and he'll be here.
Come on, Alfie,
let's get some sleep now.
Hey. Close your eyes.
I don't want to. I have bad dreams.
Oh, Alfie.
You know,
sometimes I have bad dreams too.
Have done ever since
I was your age.
But you're safe.
I promise you, you're safe.
Close your eyes, darling.
I won't let anyone hurt you.
So, were you with Liz all day today?
BEA, ON PHONE: 'Why on earth
do you want to know that?'
Just worried.
'We're both fine, love.
'Other than popping to the shops
this morning,
'Liz has been locked away
in her studio.'
OK.
'Is this to do with what happened
to Kay?'
Mm-hm.
'I know.
'The thought that someone
tried to kill her, it just
'beggars belief.'
But
'Especially after the terrible
business with Sonia.
'Life just sometimes seems
so fragile.
'Every day I count my blessings.'
Yeah. Me too.
'I know you've had
a hell of a shock,
'but you can't let it get to you.
'You need to go easy on yourself.'
I just
'What?'
Just want you to be safe, Mum.
'Of course I'm safe. We both are.
'Now get a decent night's sleep.
It's late.
'OK?'
Night, Mum.
It's an interesting choice
for a rendezvous.
I'd prefer people
didn't see us talking.
Oh.
Well, if I was the type,
I might be offended by that.
I've got something for you, but
I need to be an anonymous source.
OK.
Depends what it is.
I might know who Sally McGowan is.
I can't be sure.
I need you to check her out.
But no-one can know
it's come from me.
Journalist's honour.
Come on. Who is it?
She
She's close to my mum.
And I need my mum to know the truth.
But if I tell her
and she doesn't believe me,
or if she tries to confront this
woman, then she could be in danger.
But if everyone finds out
at the same time
Then your mum knows,
and it doesn't come from you.
Yeah. I just need her to be safe.
You must have heard
what happened to Kay.
CHILDREN CHATTER
ALFIE LAUGHS
FATIMA: Oh, my God.
Is there any update on Kay?
Is she all right?
Yeah, I took her to the hospital.
Mm. It seems you're everywhere
these days.
Do the police have any idea?
Not that I know of.
What is the point
of having a boyfriend
who's a police officer if he's not
gonna tell you anything?
It must be Sally McGowan trying
to kill Kay like she did Sonia.
Didn't you say that Kay was Sally?
Well
maybe she faked it
so that we didn't suspect her.
Throw us off the scent.
No.
Cos she'd never have known that
I was gonna turn up at her house.
That's far too risky.
Well, I'm not being funny,
I'm not waiting around
for another murder to happen.
Someone's got to do something.
We should start
a neighbourhood watch.
LIAM: No! Go away.
Alfie! Stop that.
Get off!
Whoa, Alfie! Alfie.
Liam. Liam, what's going on?
Come on.
Alfie was just defending himself.
Come on, darling. Let's go.
Honestly, I don't even recognise
this place any more.
He hit me right in the face.
Alfie, get your bag.
Come on, Hayley. We're going.
OK.
OK. Let's go.
Let's go.
Now, Kay's not feeling very well,
so me and Alfie are gonna wait with
you till your mum gets back, OK?
OK.
Be quiet, you two,
cos your gran might be asleep.
I'll make you a snack in a minute.
Ah. Ah, hiya.
Ah, thank you so much
for picking Hayley up for me.
Yeah, it's no bother.
Oh, look at you, mother of the year.
JOANNA SCOFFS
Hardly.
How's Kay? I tried to call, but
Yeah, they're keeping her in
for observation.
Did she say anything?
Just that someone was in the house
and turned the gas on.
Oh
This has all got so out of hand.
Yeah, but we're just trying
to keep our kids safe.
And quite rightly,
from what I've been reading.
You've got to read this.
Where's my book?
Ah, there it is.
"Multiple psychiatrists who worked
with Sally before the trial
"said she showed no signs of remorse
and repeatedly lied to the police."
She was born bad. There's no
changing people like that.
Trust me.
I see it every day at work.
Borrow that, if you like.
I've already got a copy.
Have to keep it hidden.
If Alfie sees it
he's been so unsettled.
Oh.
Mind you,
Hayley's been exactly the same.
Well, she looks like she's OK,
and then she just explodes
when she's tired.
I just wish this was all over.
To think I moved him here
to make everything better.
No, well, you can't second-guess
every decision you make.
We're all gonna muck them up
at some point.
Mm.
Can I stay over, Mum?
Pleeeease?
Fine by me.
I've got the weekend off
while Nick's away in the city.
And honestly, it'd probably be
easier if she's got a friend here.
Are you sure you're gonna be
all right to sleep here by yourself?
Yeah.
OK.
Come on, Alfie, let's go.
Do him good to have a distraction.
Yeah, thanks.
I was a bit worried
he was going backwards
in the friend-making department.
Not unlike his mother.
Well, you got us. And, you know,
that's the cream of the crop anyway.
THEY LAUGH
Right, you lot,
let's get your beds made up.
KNOCKING
Hm. Have you come to apologise
for your son's behaviour?
We need to talk.
I don't know
what you want me to say.
It's the same photo paper
as Liam's party invitations.
And?
Sorry, Debbie, what have I ever done
to make you hate me so much?
Oh, God, this was just meant to be
a bit of silly Halloween fun.
Didn't know you'd fly
off the handle like you did.
Alfie's got a knife
sticking out of his chest.
Yes, and Hayley's got a noose
around her neck,
and Liam's got an axe
sticking out of him,
but you didn't notice them, did you?
And what about this?
Well, that one, I was just trying
to push your buttons. Why?!
Look, I've seen the way Stephen
looks at you, Joanna.
What?! No, no, don't.
Don't tell me it's in my head.
Don't do that.
Stephen does that,
and it's infuriating.
SHE SIGHS
God, honestly,
you don't know what I've become.
I smell his clothes
when he gets in from work.
Second he's out of the room,
I pounce on his phone.
I'm always trying to catch him
in a lie.
I've become this hideous
walking cliche.
Something I promised I'd never be.
Trust me, I hate myself
more than you ever could.
Debbie, I, hand on heart,
have no interest in Stephen.
He's not the ladies' man
he thinks he is, is he?
JOANNA CHUCKLES
He doesn't deserve you.
I know.
Believe me, I know that too.
SHE SIGHS
I'm sorry about the picture.
Of course I don't think you're evil.
I was just upset
and wanted to hurt you.
But I know he's lying to me.
I know it.
I know it because he was meant
to be here helping me
at the Halloween party,
he was meant to help me set up.
And then he just disappears.
And he wouldn't tell me
where he'd gone.
But he had the nerve to act all hurt
that I doubted him.
I won't be made a fool of twice.
I know
I do know he cheated on you.
Yeah, well, everybody knows.
DEBBIE SIGHS
The whole of this stupid town.
It was the juiciest bit of gossip
in Flinstead.
And then this Sally McGowan stuff
came along.
So that's why you pushed
the Sally McGowan stuff so much?
Well, I wasn't the only one.
And, no, I mean,
I was genuinely scared for the kids.
This woman's killed before.
I mean, surely she could kill again.
Kay's just lucky
she didn't end up like Sonia.
KNOCK AT DOOR
Mum.
If you've got a question for me,
why don't you just ask?
I know you saw the photo
in my studio.
Mum, I think it might be best
if we talk by ourselves.
This is about Liz.
That's what your call was really
about last night, wasn't it?
I know, but
..would you tell me the truth?
Of course.
Come in.
I wasn't going to say anything,
but
..I keep no secrets
from your mother.
The photo you saw
..was of me and my son, Henry.
It's the only one I have of him.
So, you don't see him?
No.
I'm sure he's better off
having no idea who I am.
You know, you don't have
to do this. No.
I'm fine.
It's time to get it out.
I got pregnant when I was 19
..at an age when I was
still pretending to like boys.
I have to say, not very well.
I suppose it's what they call
date rape nowadays, but
..back then it was just a bad date.
I didn't wanna believe
I could be pregnant, so
..I didn't do anything
until it was too late.
I gave Henry up for adoption
when he was still in the womb.
INHALES SHARPLY
TEARFULLY: But when he was born,
I wasn't so sure.
I was young, and
..my parents said
it was for the best.
SHE SOBS
The nurses let me hold him
..just long enough
to whisper his name.
I'm so sorry, Liz.
I was young and
and stupid and
Oh.
I wish I
..could have taken it back,
but I can't.
So, now you know.
LIZ SOBS
I hope that satisfies you.
TEARFULLY: I have to go.
Liz
Mum
This is really hard for her.
No, I know, and it's awful.
But it doesn't mean she isn't Sa
Joanna.
What the hell's got into you?
Michael's worried about you.
I'm worried about you.
You're not right.
Listen
No. Enough.
I know Liz as well as I know myself.
Now, I'm telling you
this needs to stop.
For your own good.
DISTORTED SINGING
SCREAMING
CHILD CRIES
SCREAMING
JOANNA GASPS
BREATHING HEAVILY
Hey. Thanks for picking me up.
I really could have taken a taxi.
Yeah, it's all part
of the Pegton's service.
Well, ex-Pegton's.
Well, seeing as you saved my life,
I think I could possibly let you
sell my house again.
Certainly not staying here now.
Thanks. I hope that's enough
for Stephen.
Strange to think that someone
was there when I was sleeping.
Will you be all right
on your own tonight?
Oh, no, I'm going to stay
with Rachel.
I've got police crawling all over
the house looking for fingerprints
or whatever it is they look for.
There'll be plenty
with all the viewings.
SHE CHUCKLES
Yeah, well
..points for trying, I guess.
Kay, I'm so sorry
..that I said
you were Sally McGowan.
It was unforgivable.
Oh, well.
At least you've seen the light.
It was just
Sorry, but the letter was
Yeah.
Yeah. I've been trying to get Zoe
to
..forgive me for a long time now.
Forgive you for what?
I told her ex
..where to find her.
I mean, I'd no idea
how violent he was.
I think she was really trying
to shield me.
Anyway
..he almost killed her.
Oh.
And the kids.
And, erm, that's why
she won't forgive me.
And it's why I lie about
where they live.
I'd do anything to make amends
with my family.
I'm sorry.
Well, this is pointless.
No-one's gonna come.
Of course they will.
I should cancel.
Liz.
Oh, I'll get the last one.
Mum, can we talk?
Yeah. Er
Give me a hand with the food.
I've been cooking all morning.
Mum
There's nothing worse
than under-catering.
Mum, I need to tell you something.
There's a list.
I should check what's on it
so I don't forget anything.
Mm?
Can't this wait?
Er napkins. Napkins.
Mum, I think I might have messed up.
OK, let's get these in the van.
What were you saying?
Oh.
I've no idea
what you're talking about.
And clearly, you haven't got a
a shred of proof.
If you print a word of this,
I'll have you for libel.
Liz? Who's this?
I'm Zac Cooper from The Post.
I'm just after a quote
from Ms Blackthorn.
A quote about what? Her exhibition?
It doesn't matter.
This gentleman was just leaving.
Well, so you deny the allegations?
Wha?
Well, weren't you aware?
Mum, leave it.
For goodness' sake.
Aware of what?
Someone has told
this so-called journalist
that I am Sally McGowan.
SHE SCOFFS
Who?
Mum
Joanna
I'm trying
..have you lost your mind?
After everything Liz told you?
Mum, I'm trying
I don't want to hear it.
SHE SCOFFS
You've gone too far this time,
you really have.
Mum, please.
All I ever do is help you.
And this is how you repay me?
Why are you so determined
to ruin everything?
I've had it with you.
PHONE RINGS
Hi. Sorry, I've been a bit
SETH: 'I can call back.'
No, no. Erm, just give me a minute.
There we go.
Hi. It's good to see you.
'Likewise. I thought you'd
wanna know I found something.
'A box of Dad's in the attic
with a bunch of your old stuff,
'I think, from when you were a kid.'
Oh, it won't be mine.
'Well, it's definitely not mine.'
Yeah. It's impossible.
The fire destroyed everything.
There was nothing left.
'I don't know anything about a fire,
but, um
'look, that's definitely you,
right?
'And that's Dad.
And I'm assuming that's your mom?'
I don't understand.
Can you move that bit closer?
'How's that?'
Yeah.
What does it say on my jumper?
Can you read it?
'Yeah, sure. It says Lucy.
'And there's Dad's writing
on the back.
'It says, "Me, Bea and Lucy."
Why does it say that?'
Doesn't make any sense.
'Well, why don't you ask
your mother?'
DOOR OPENS
'I can send you all this stuff
if you want.'
Thanks. Yeah. Thank you.
Look, I'll I'll call you soon,
OK?
'OK. Speak soon.'
Bye.
Lucy
Where have you been?
Sheffield.
Is that the painting?
Thank you.
I told my mum I think it's Liz.
Yeah? What'd she say?
Mm. She's not speaking to me.
All right, well
I guess she'll have to
once she's seen this.
Signature's on the back.
Yeah.
Well
Recognise it?
Is it hers?
What? What's wrong?
Joanna?
What is it?
That's not Liz's handwriting.
What do you mean? Whose is it?
It's my mum's.
No, no, it can't be.
It can't be her.
Maybe Sally's just got
similar handwriting.
That's my mum's handwriting.
I've seen it all my life.
It said in the book
that she grew up in poverty
and that she was an only child,
but she came from
a large extended family.
And my grandparents died
when I was little, so it can't
And that's just what she's told me.
All right. We don't wanna start
jumping to conclusions, Jo.
Ever since my dad left, it's
it's always been the two of us.
It's just me and my mum.
No aunts, no uncles, no cousins.
She told me she wasn't bright enough
to go to university.
What if she was in prison
that whole time?
Oh, my God, Alfie.
We can't let her anywhere near him.
Oh, Jo
And the fire.
What if the fire never happened?
What if that's why it's always
been so hazy in my head,
why I can't properly remember it?
Seth said he found things
that should have burnt in the fire
but my dad had them.
So what if she's just told me
about the fire
and I've pictured it and pictured it
until it felt real?
Fuck.
Why the hell would she do that?
I don't know! Oh, my God.
I feel sick. Right, you stay there.
I need to see her.
WOMAN, ECHOING:
'Jo, what the hell's got into you?
'I told you.
I told you to leave it alone.
'And you didn't listen.
'You're not right.
'This needs to stop.
'For your own good.'
It's OK.
Were you ever gonna tell me?
No.
You lied to me my whole life.
I didn't.
No. No.
You don't get to do that.
Cos I don't trust a single word
that comes out of your mouth.
I know what you did.
I'm sorry.
SHE LAUGHS
Do you think that makes it OK?
No, it doesn't.
Of course it doesn't.
I don't know who I am!
Everything about my life.
Did Dad even leave me?
He did, but it wasn't
The fire didn't happen.
No.
SHE CHUCKLES
You You made me
You made me scared.
You made me scared
of losing everything.
I thought it was my fault.
The fire losing Dad.
I never said that.
You didn't have to!
But I had no choice.
I had to make so many decisions.
It was chaos.
They had to move us quickly.
They had to change our names.
They had to change everything
after your dad found out who I was.
The fire was the best way
No, stop!
All my life,
I've been terrified of fire.
I've been terrified
of losing everything.
Of being alone.
Of losing you.
You were my world!
You were all I had.
I don't even remember a time
Get the fuck off me!
I don't remember a time
..when the world
didn't feel dangerous.
Scary and wrong.
Where I didn't feel wrong.
I didn't trust my own mind.
And I didn't trust anybody else.
And I didn't know why.
But you did.
You could have told me.
But you let me believe it was me.
You let me believe
there was something wrong with me.
And you killed that little boy!
You lured him away,
and you stabbed him!
You're the fucking monster!
JOANNE CRIES
I was a child.
You don't know how it was!
I barely went to school
and barely had enough to eat.
I had to fend for myself.
Stop!
Did you kill Sonia?
Of course not.
Someone killed Sonia
because they thought she was me.
And what about Kay?
Don't you understand?
Someone out there wants to kill
Sally McGowan. They want to kill me.
Oh, my God. All the times
I've left you alone with Alfie.
You can't think
I would ever hurt him.
I don't know you.
I don't know what you're capable of.
God, what if I'm like you?
No.
What if it's in me?
No, no, you're nothing like me.
You were sweet and good
from the day you were born.
My whole life's been a lie.
That's not true.
What's my name?
What's my real name?
Fucking tell me!
Lucy.
You were called Lucy.
SOFTLY: Lucy.
It's just a name, Joanna.
You should never have had me.
No, don't don't say it.
You had no right.
I will do everything I can
to protect Alfie.
And you'll never see him again.
SHE CRIES