The Deceived EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK: Paul Mescal takes on his first role since Normal People

He received overnight fame following his leading role in Normal People.

And Paul Mescal has taken on his first role since his much-loved part in the BBC drama, as he stars in new Channel 5 psychological thriller, The Deceived.

An exclusive first look at the trailer for the series sees Paul take on the role of a confidante to lead character Ophelia, who embarks on an affair with her lecturer.

The explosive insight into the four-part drama teases an action-packed storyline where Ophelia [Emily Reid] finds herself trapped in a world where she can no longer trust her own mind. 

The plot sees the love affair interrupted by a shocking and tragic death, with Ophelia confiding in Paul’s characterean McKeough – a local builder. 

Gangs of London actor Emmett J. Scanlan plays the timelessly attractive English lecturer Dr Michael Callaghan, while Catherine Walker plays his long-suffering wife Roisin.

Elswhere in the series, Little Women actress Eleanor Methven plays devoted and sometimes overbearing mother Mary Mulvery.

While Ian McElhinney is Michael’s father Hugh, who viewers will see fighting the oncoming tide of dementia.      

The series, which was filmed in Northern Ireland and Cambridge, was created and written by Derry Girls’ Lisa McGee and Tobias Beer.        

Executive producer Charlie Hampton of New Pictures says: ‘I was absolutely delighted to bring Lisa and Toby’s fantastic scripts to screen. 

‘Working with such talented writers is always a pleasure and it was important to find equally talented people for both in front of and behind the camera. 

‘Along with our wonderful director, Chloë Thomas, we were lucky to assemble a hugely gifted cast who added a whole other layer of intrigue into the already thrilling scripts.’

‘We wanted to make a show that nods to classic thrillers but also make something really modern that speaks to a contemporary audience. 

‘The Deceived is a psychological relationship thriller that will have the audience questioning everything and will hopefully leave them wanting more’.

The Deceived, coming soon to Channel 5.