Emma Rigby’s open, innocent face proves to be the defining feature of the first instalment in this new six-part drama.
The former Hollyoaks star plays Gemma, whose seemingly perfect life – adoring husband, lovely home, good job, baby on the way – is shattered when police burst in and arrest her other half Steve (played by Robin Hood actor Jonas Armstrong) for murder.
He says he didn’t do it, but he would say that, wouldn’t he?
As Gemma visits Steve on remand we meet two of the other women trying to hold their lives and families together while their men are inside.
As part of a strong cast, Rome actress Polly Walker is especially eye-catching as Francesca, the glamorous wife of a drug trafficker, played by Iain Glen.
“Speedboats, sawn-off shotguns. It was very Ross Kemp,” she explains.
Francesca soon takes Gemma under her wing and offers her a stark picture of what the rest of her life might look like if Steve is found guilty.
Another woman, Lou (Natalie Gavin) has lied to her young son that Daddy is away helping to build a top secret football stadium for a few months.
The tone is more Footballers’ Wives than Birds of a Feather and Gemma’s going to have to toughen up to survive.
Her trusting expression won’t last for long, believe me.