The Guest is a British thriller television miniseries written by Matthew Barry and directed by Ashley Way. It stars Gabrielle Creevy and Eve Myles. The series premiered on BBC One on 1 September 2025, with all four episodes released simultaneously on BBC iPlayer.
Contents
Synopsis
A cleaner becomes captivated by her wealthy employer's charismatic influence. As their intense friendship grows and secrets emerge, their relationship spirals into a dangerous psychological game where nothing is quite what it seems.
Cast and characters
Gabrielle Creevy as Ria Powell
Eve Myles as Fran Sharp
Siôn Daniel Young as Lee Mace
Bethan Mary-James as Sharla
Julian Lewis Jones as Simon Sharp
Clive Russell as Derek Abbott
Emun Elliott as Richard Abbott
Joseph Ollman as Mike Rice
Catherine Ayers as Helen
Lola Waters as Penny
Clare Perkins as Annette
Kimberley Nixon as Eleri Abbott
Hannah Daniel as Gemma Rice
Craig Gallivan as Marc
Steffan Rhodri as Nick
Remy Beasley as Lowri Evans
Production
The series is written, created and executive produced by Matthew Barry, and is a co-production between BBC Cymru Wales and Quay Street Productions for BBC One. Davina Earl and Nicola Shindler executive produce for Quay Street Productions, with Rebecca Ferguson and Nick Andrews for the BBC. The series is directed by Ashley Way and produced by Karen Lewis.
The show was filmed in September through to November 2024 in Cardiff.
Broadcast
The series premiered on BBC iPlayer and BBC One on 1 September 2025.
The series premiered in America on Showtime and Paramount+ on October 17.
It is also premiered in India on Lionsgate Play on 6 March 2026.
Reception
Reviews of the series were generally positive, with most awarding four or three stars.
Rebecca Nicholson, writing in The Financial Times, called The Guest "a gripping gothic tale of rich and poor", awarding it 4 out of 5 stars.
Anita Singh, writing in The Telegraph, described the series as "surprisingly moreish", comparing it to a Harlan Coben thriller, awarding it 4 out of 5 stars. Carol Midgley of The Times also gave 4 out of 5 stars, praising the writing and pace, which hints at "darkness beneath the glossy surface."
Elle Magazine described the series as "wildly addictive."
Lucy Mangan, writing in The Guardian, gave it 3 out of 5 stars, calling it "a gloriously ridiculous thriller that slips down a treat". Vicky Jessop of The Standard also gave it 3 out of five, praising the acting but calling the plot "really silly". James Hibbs, writing in Radio Times, also awarded three stars, praising the direction and acting, and calling the first three "brilliantly crafted", but finding the resolution wanting, with too many mystery elements. Digital Spy also gave it three stars, saying "Creevy and Myles give exceptional performances that ground some of the more fantastical elements of the story".
The Independent was less complimentary, awarding the series 2 out of 5 and calling it "hogwash... like a deranged game of Jenga".
In September 2026, the series received five nominations at the BAFTA Cymru Awards.