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Don’t judge a book by its cover – Faking It is back on 5
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After a two-decade hiatus, award-winning series Faking It is returning to our screens. We preview the reboot and round up 20 more of the best shows you can stream on 5 now
By Charlotte Briggs, Feature Writer
- Published
- 21 May 2025
The early 2000s were a golden age for British reality TV. Nestled among a roster of iconic shows including Big Brother, Pop Idol and Shipwrecked was Faking It – an award-winning challenge-based series that saw participants try to fool a panel of industry experts into thinking they were the top dog in whatever vocation they’d chosen that week.
From showgirls to showjumpers and sheep shearers to, er, hairdressers, we witnessed some incredible transformations that kept us glued to our sofas for seven whole series.
Now, nearly 20 years since the original series wrapped, Faking It is making a huge comeback as a new generation of fakers are put to the test. The volunteers are once more placed into unfamiliar worlds and given just four weeks to master the tricks of their trade before being tested in front of a judging panel. And first up is Rex who’s swapping life as a luxury estate agent for the chaos and crowds of market trading on a meat and fish stall. Sounds like he’s got his work cut out for him…
Rex begins his crash course in meat-slinging – chop chop! – under two seasoned traders at Bolton Market. There, he quickly learns that his sales experience alone isn’t enough, as gruelling 10-hour shifts while covering up his Southern accent soon get the better of him. It’s not all bad news for Rex and the other brave participants, though. The contestants are all given a helping hand from expert mentors who live and breathe their chosen trade, and for Rex that comes in the form of The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner. Bosh.
Along with a head-to-toe makeover and a much-needed session with a dialect coach, can lessons from the Absolute Guvna shape Rex into a certified wheeler-dealer? Or will Rex blow his cover before the end of his shift at Barnsley Market? Tune in to find out on Tuesdays from 20 May at 9pm on 5 HD (CH 105) and in Apps > 5.
Want more great telly? No problem. 5 is the home of an impressive catalogue of programmes including acclaimed original dramas, captivating documentaries and bingeable box sets. Read on to discover the best 20 shows that you can stream to your heart’s content on 5 now.
The Feud
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Stream it in Apps > 5 now
What is it? A six-part thriller about neighbours at war with each other after plans for a house extension cause chaos on an idyllic suburban street.
Why should I watch? For the killer cast alone. Jill Halfpenny, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, Larry Lamb, Ray Fearon, Amy Nuttall, Tessa Peake-Jones and Chris Gascoyne... Need we say more?
The Real Adolescence: Our Killer Kids
Stream it in Apps > 5 now
What is it? A gripping investigation into the shocking rise of real-life child killers across the nation.
Why should I watch? After Stephen Graham’s drama Adolescence swept the news, classrooms and even parliament, this documentary is a harrowing yet necessary investigation into growing levels of youth violence.
Ellis
Stream series 1 in Apps > 5 now
What is it? Sharon D Clarke stars as a tenacious detective who solves hard-to-crack cases with the help of local detectives.
Why should I watch? This first Black solo female-led detective series received rave reviews and has just been renewed for a hotly anticipated second series that promises more “unpredictable edge-of-your seat cases”.
Reuben Owen: Life In The Dales
Stream series 1-2 in Apps > 5 now
What is it? Reuben Owen of Our Yorkshire Farm fame has flown the nest to start his own business in the beautiful Dales.
Why should I watch? We can’t get enough of the Owen family – the horticulture equivalent of the Kardashians – and all their farming adventures. Our Yorkshire Farm series 1-5 and Beyond The Yorkshire Farm: Reuben & Clive are available in Apps > 5 now.
The Trial
Stream it in Apps > 5 now
What is it? A tense one-off drama that explores a dystopian near-future where parents are punished for their juvenile children’s crimes.
Why should I watch? Ben Miles and Claire Skinner’s performances pack a punch as parents whose lives are shattered, while Saoirse-Monica Jackson proves to be a formidable opponent in the courtroom.
The Drowning Of Paula Leeson
Stream it in Apps > 5 now
What is it? An in-depth exploration into the tragic death of millionaire heiress Paula Leeson and her family’s search for justice.
Why should I watch? Even hardened true crime fans will recoil as a horrifying tale unfolds, centred on Leeson’s husband – a convicted fraudster who’s been on the run ever since a judge first dismissed his involvement as circumstantial evidence.
James May’s Great Explorers
Stream it in Apps > 5 now
What is it? James May is on a swashbuckling adventure to recreate the voyages of Christopher Columbus, Sir Walter Raleigh and Captain James Cook.
Why should I watch? A creative exploration of some of history’s most legendary voyages, the three-parter is also packed with enough mayhem and merriment to fill the James May-shaped hole on our screens.
Inside Longleat
Stream it in Apps > 5 now
What is it? A sneak peek into the inner workings of Longleat House and Safari Park whose residents include creatures great, small and everything in between.
Why should I watch? If you think you’ve already seen everything there is to see about stately homes and safari parks in the UK, you’re dead wrong – expect double decker tours, Britain’s biggest maze and some of the 1,000 animals that call Longleat home.
Dead Man Walking: Dan Walker On Death Row
Stream it in Apps > 5 now
What is it? Award-winning journalist Dan Walker heads to the United States to uncover the realities of capital punishment.
Why should I watch? The results of Walker’s hard-hitting investigation into this much-debated topic make for an eye-opening insight into life on death row and its effect on inmates, prison guards and beyond.
The Game
Stream it in Apps > 5 now
What is it? Jason Watkins is a retired detective who’s haunted by the one case he never solved in this gripping cat-and-mouse thriller.
Why should I watch? If you loved other Jason Watkins-led series including The Catch and Coma (both available to stream on 5 now), then this tense psychological drama starring the BAFTA winner will be right up your street.
Fergie: Where Did The Money Go?
Stream it in Apps > 5 now
What is it? A revealing insight into the extraordinary life of Sarah Ferguson – aka the Duchess Of York – as well as her financial highs and lows.
Why should I watch? Whether you love or hate the royals, there’s no denying that Sarah Ferguson is one of the most fascinating characters to have ever set foot in Buckingham Palace.
The Teacher
Stream series 1-2 in Apps > 5 now
What is it? An anthology drama, each series focusing on a teacher whose life is uprooted by accusations that threaten to derail their career.
Why should I watch? First starring Sheridan Smith in 2022 and later Kara Tointon in 2024, The Teacher is a gripping watch that’s packed with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing up until its final moments.
You Be The Judge: Crime & Punishment
Stream it in Apps > 5 now
What is it? The Weakest Link host Anne Robinson leads a challenging social experiment whereby members of the public decide what sentences criminals should receive.
Why should I watch? Using real-life cases as their subject material, this feature-length film is a fascinating breakdown of how the UK sentencing system works with insights from former inmates, retired judges, police officers and families of victims of crime.
The Hardacres
Stream series 1 in Apps > 5 now
What is it? The screen adaptation of CL Skelton’s first novel from the Hardacre Family Saga, starting with the family building their business empire in Victorian England.
Why should I watch? Who doesn’t love a good rags-to-riches tale of a working-class family ruffling feathers in high society? Plus, with potential for more series following future generations of Hardacres, it’s a period drama worth investing time in.
Volcano With Dara Ó Briain
Stream it in Apps > 5 now
What is it? Dara Ó Briain swaps the comedy circuit for the sights and sounds of Italy’s most active volcanoes.
Why should I watch? You’ll learn more about these epic forces of nature from the funnyman than you ever did in Year 9 geography. Plus, Ó Briain’s enthusiasm for all things volcanic makes for compelling viewing.
The Night Caller
Stream it in Apps > 5 now
What is it? When a lonely cab driver develops a growing obsession with a late-night radio host, his life begins to spiral out of control with deadly consequences.
Why should I watch? A gem from established TV writer Nick Saltrese and Code Of Silence director Diarmuid Goggins – trust us when we say it’s a thrilling ride from start to finish, with a chilling Robert Glenister at its wheel.
The Wives
Stream it in Apps > 5 now
What is it? After a family member disappears under mysterious circumstances on a summer holiday, her three sisters-in-law join forces to uncover the truth.
Why should I watch? Dreamy Mediterranean location? Check. A tantalising mystery to solve from your sofa? Check. Angela Griffin, Jo Joyner and Tamzin Outhwaite? Triple check!
The Plot To Kill Holly Willoughby
Stream it in Apps > 5 now
What is it? A 60-minute deep dive into Gavin Plumb’s terrifying plot to kidnap and murder TV presenter Holly Willougby.
Why should I watch? For the first time, a team of criminal psychologists and journalists unravel the shocking story behind one of the most talked-about crimes of the 21st century.
All Creatures Great And Small
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Stream series 1-5 in Apps > 5 now
What is it? A charming period drama that follows a trio of vets and the other residents of Skeldale House in 1930s Yorkshire.
Why should I watch? Inspired by the experiences of real-life veterinarian Alf Wight, who published his stories as James Herriot, All Creatures Great And Small is a cosy and compelling watch with a 99% Rotten Tomatoes rating that makes it one of 5’s most successful series.
Lost Dog, Found Dog With Clare Balding
Stream series 1-2 in Apps > 5 now
What is it? Clare Balding helps lost canines reunite with their families while educating owners about everything from microchipping to dog safety.
Why should I watch? You mean apart from adorable dogs and heartwarming reunions making us cry one episode at a time? As well as the above, it also showcases the latest tech and expert advice to help prevent dog thefts.
When is Faking It on TV?
The first episode of the new series of Faking It is on Tuesday 20 May at 9pm on 5 HD (CH 105) and will also be available on catch-up in On Demand > 5 and Apps > 5. Catch the following episodes on Tuesday 27 May and Tuesday 3 June at 9pm on 5 HD (CH 105).
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TV channels: Channels, content and features available depend on your chosen package. Channel line-ups and content are subject to change at any time and to regional variations.
HD: HD TV set, V HD Box, TiVo box or Virgin TV V6 connected with HDMI cables required for HD channels. Number of inclusive HD channels depends on package.
Catch Up TV: Catch Up TV content available for up to 7 days or up to 30 days after broadcast, depending on content.
On Demand: Content available to view depends on TV package. Time limits apply for viewing chargeable On Demand content – see virginmedia.com. Once purchased, all chargeable On Demand content must be viewed within 48 hours. Premium channels and upgrades must be kept for at least 30 days.
Virgin TV 360 Box: Not available with full fibre. Minimum of M50 Fibre Broadband required for operation. Boxes require a HDMI cable to connect to your TV. Catch Up TV: Catch Up TV content available for seven days after broadcast.
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Flex: Virgin Media broadband required (min. 50 Mbps). Not available with other Virgin Media TV services. Compatible with Hub 3 and above. Stream box requires an HDMI cable connected to TV. HD TV set and a Stream box connected with HDMI cables required for viewing HD channels. Number of inclusive HD channels depends on package. 4K compatible TV/device required to watch Ultra HD. Stream box and remote remain property of Virgin Media. There is a £5 a month charge for Flex service, and a one-off activation fee of £35 may apply, along with charges & terms for each Flex entertainment subscription chosen. Some Flex subscriptions require 30 days’ notice to cancel. New Virgin Media broadband customers subject to 18 month contract and set up fees may apply. See full details.
