The Rumour is a British psychological thriller series that was made for Channel 5. Directed by Richard Clark and written by Giula Sandler, it’s based on the popular book by Lesley Kara. The show stars Rachel Shenton, Emily Atack, Joanne Whalley, Samuel Anderson, and others. If you’re curious about where it was filmed, we’ve got you covered!
The story is about a mother who moves to a quiet town called Flinstead. She overhears a disturbing rumour that a person who killed a child in the past is now living there under a new identity. This causes a lot of fear and suspicion in the town.
The show will premiere on 10th September 2025 on Channel 5 in the UK. You can stream the episodes on My5 (UK). Internationally, Fremantle handles distribution.
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Where Was Channel 5’s The Rumour Filmed?
| Series Name | The Rumour |
|---|---|
| Genres | Drama, Thriller |
| Filming Locations | Budapest (Hungary) |
| Filming Dates | Late 2024 (primarily Nov–Dec |
| Cinematography by | Craig Dean Devine |
| Release Date | September 10, 2025 (United Kingdom) |
Although the novel is set in a seaside town, the production shot primarily in Budapest, Hungary, which doubles for the fictional Flinstead. The team chose Budapest and reimagined Flinstead inland (no coastline shots) and clustered key sets around a single Budapest courtyard to mimic the town’s “high street.”
Outdoor sequences also used forests in the Buda Hills just outside the city. The show was filmed mainly in November and December of 2024, including unseasonably warm November days followed by snow. The cast and crew experienced both warm weather and later, snowfall during the shoot.
📍Budapest (for “Flinstead”)
Even though the story happens in a coastal town, Flinstead was recreated in Budapest. The filmmakers picked out special spots in the city and placed them around a central courtyard, which acted as the main town square. This made the setting feel like a small, close-knit community.
The team filmed in various Private Homes Around Budapest, choosing places that matched the characters. For example, Debbie’s modern house with glass walls, and Bea and Liz’s bohemian-style home. They also filmed a Halloween party scene in the snow, creating a spooky atmosphere.
Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is a city bisected by the Danube River, with Buda’s historic hills and Pest’s vibrant flatlands. Known for its thermal baths, stunning architecture like the Parliament Building and Buda Castle, and a rich history, it’s a major cultural and economic hub in Central Europe. The city offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern dynamism.
📍Buda Hills Forests (near Budapest)
For the tense outdoor scenes, like searches and stakeouts, the team filmed in the Buda Hills. This area has forests and green spaces, which added to the mystery and suspense in the show.
The Buda Hills are a lush forested range on the western side of Budapest, offering a refreshing escape from the city. They serve as the “lungs of the capital” with extensive hiking and biking trails winding through dense woods. The highest point is János Hill, where the Elizabeth Lookout Tower provides panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
📍 Gerlóczy Kávéház (in downtown Budapest), Gerlóczy Boutique Hotel
Address: Budapest, Gerlóczy u. 1, 1052 Hungary
One of the show’s most memorable spots is the Gerlóczy Café, a charming Parisian-style café in District V. The café is real, and you can visit it if you’re ever in Budapest. The address is Gerlóczy utca 1, 1052 Budapest.
Gerlóczy Kávéház is a charming and historic café and hotel located in a quiet square in Budapest’s 5th district, close to the city center. It’s known for its Parisian bistro-like atmosphere, serving traditional Hungarian and French cuisine. The café’s elegant interior and peaceful outdoor terrace make it a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking a classic European café experience.
Channel 5’s The Rumour Behind the Scenes
The producers chose Budapest to film Flinstead because Hungary doesn’t have a coast. The team used the city’s unique mix of architecture and courtyards to recreate the fictional town.
To make your search for Channel 5’s The Rumour filming even more interesting and enjoyable, we shared a behind-the-scenes photo here.
The series stars and fans also shared some behind-the-scenes glimpses on their social media account, Instagram:-
- Weather Surprises: The cast mentioned that they experienced unusually warm weather in November, but then it suddenly snowed later in the shoot.
- Cast Stories:
- Rachel Shenton (who plays one of the main characters) spent her free time walking along the Danube River. She was also pregnant while filming!
- Emily Atack filmed the series just 10 weeks after giving birth. She said it was challenging but also rewarding.
Is There a Trailer for The Rumour?
Yes! You can watch the official trailer for “The Rumour” on YouTube and here also:-
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Where was The Rumour filmed?
A1: Mainly Budapest, Hungary, with Buda Hills forests for outdoor sequences; Budapest doubles for the fictional Flinstead.
Q2: Why doesn’t The Rumour show a UK coastline like the novel?
A2: The production shifted from the coast because Hungary is landlocked, and redesigned Flinstead to work inland.
Q3: Is the café in The Rumour a real place I can visit?
A3: Yes—Gerlóczy Kávéház (Gerlóczy utca 1, Budapest 1052) appears on screen and is open to the public.
Q4: When was The Rumour filmed?
A4: Late 2024, with cast recollections mentioning warm November days and later snow during the Budapest schedule.
Q5: Who directed and wrote The Rumour?
A5: Directed by Richard Clark, written by Giula Sandler, adapted from Lesley Kara’s novel.
Q6: Where can I watch The Rumour?
A6: It airs on Channel 5 in the UK, with episodes available on My5; Fremantle handles international distribution.
The Rumour takes you into the dark, suspenseful world of Flinstead, which was brought to life in Budapest. From charming cafés to tense forest scenes, these filming locations add to the mystery and excitement of the show. Be sure to check out these real places if you’re a fan!