JODIE Whittaker and Suranne Jones are joined by a host of familiar faces for their new thriller Frauds.
Here’s everything you need to know about whether the crime caper is based on a true story and how to watch it.
ITV’s Frauds is about two former partners-in-crime who reunite for one last audacious heist after one of them is released from prison on compassionate grounds.
The synopsis for the series reads: “Bert and Sam embark on the most audacious of art thefts, gathering a talented team of outcasts to help them plan this audacious crime.
“Whilst the team must overcome numerous challenges before they can pull off the heist, it’s the power struggle between Bert and Sam that threatens to derail their plans and destroy them both.
“Set against the epic rolling hills of southern Spain and the dark criminal underbelly that casts a shadow over the glistening coast, Frauds is a complex and addictive story of friendship, deception and survival.”
It blends dark comedy with the cinematic heist genre, set against the scenic backdrop of southern Spain — but is it a true story?
When is Frauds on?
Frauds premiered at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday, October 5, 2025.
The series includes six episodes airing on consecutive Sunday and Monday nights over three weeks.
All episodes are also available on ITVX for streaming.
Is Frauds based on a true story?
Frauds is a work of fiction created by Suranne Jones and co-writer Anne-Marie O’Connor.
The plot revolves around Bert, who has been in a Spanish prison for ten years and is released due to a terminal cancer diagnosis.
Upon release, she reconnects with her former partner Sam to plan a multi-million-pound art heist.
While the series captures the feel of real criminal undertakings, it is not an adaptation of a true crime or real-life story.
What is the Frauds cast?
Frauds tells the story of Bert and Sam, whose toxic friendship will be pushed to the ultimate test.
Bert tries to lure her pal out of criminal retirement to pull off a multi-million-pound art heist.
Suranne Jones stars as Bert — the career criminal recently released from prison.
Jodie Whittaker features as Sam, her estranged former partner in crime.
Lost Boys and Fairies actress Elizabeth Berrington plays a master illusionist, while I May Destroy You’s Karan Gill portrays the world’s greatest forger.
Talisa Garcia features as drag star Miss Take, and Christian Cooke takes on the role of moneylender Deegs.
Frauds’ cast is an ensemble of British and Spanish actors, reflecting the series’ international setting — the show was shot in Spain.
Frauds was created and executive produced by Suranne Jones and Anne-Marie O’Connor.
The full cast is as follows:
- Jodie Whittaker as Sam
- Suranne Jones as Bert
- Elizabeth Berrington as Jackie Diamond
- Lee Boardman as The Great Diavolo
- Christian Cooke as Deegs
- Kate Fleetwood as Celine
- Talisa Garcia as Miss Take
- Karan Gill as Bilal
- Horacio Colomé as Miguel
- Thais Martin as Sam’s long-lost daughter
- Nansi Nsue as Amaya
- Abdul Salis as Mateo
- Victor Solé as Carlos Pérez
- Javier Taboada as Blas
- Karise Yansen as Komet