Downton Abbey fans must watch 'unrecognisable' star in 'unsettling' forgotten thriller

Fans of Downton Abbey are being urged to watch an "unsettling" forgotten thriller with an unrecognisable star.

The Secrets She Keeps is an Australian psychological thriller drama starring Downton Abbey legend Laura Carmichael. Laura is widely known for her role as Lady Edith Crawley in the ITV period drama series.

In The Secrets She Keeps, the star is unrecognisable as Agatha Fyfle, a supermarket shelf stacker. Her life soon collides with Meghan Shaughnessy, where it is teased both have secrets of which could "destroy" everything.

Based on the award-winning book by Michael Robotham, it is teased that "both will risk everything to hide the truth." Series one was previously available to watch on BBC, however it was later removed.

Now, both series are free to stream on Channel 4 and also stars Jessica De Gouw, known for her roles in The Couple Next Door and Dracula, who plays Meghan.

A Channel 4 synopsis reads: "Loner shop assistant Agatha is tempted down a dark path when she witnesses influencer Meghan's apparently shiny world. Australian psychological thriller."

Series one sees influencer Meghan pregnant with her third child which seemingly causes significant envy in others, including Agatha. Series 2 also teases a "catastrophic course" as their "lives collide again."

With two series, each containing six episodes, fans have said it is a "must watch" that contains plenty of "surprises".

Boasting a score of 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, the series has been branded as "unsettling". Critic John Doyle for Globe and Mail wrote: "The pulpy elements are precision-engineered to keep you glued. But what really makes the miniseries gripping is Laura Carmichael as the unsettlingly morose Agatha."

Larissa Dubecki for the Sydney Morning Herald said: "The Secrets She Keeps has given audiences a decent twirl around the dance floor while it probes the secrets and lies of performative contentment."

Over on Google reviews, one critic said: "Once again Laura Carmichael's performance delivers the devious & cunning side as she did in Downton Abby ..although the storyline is somewhat predictable it has many twists that makes this a good mini series."

Another added: "Ah I really could not stop watching this show, I found the details of the marriage very relatable and realistic whilst also being really gripping. I felt like parts were predictable but I kept on getting surprised."

Over on IMDB, one person commented: " An incredibly watchable six part series, we all watch drama to be entertained, when it has the ability to make you feel as well, it's a winner, and this will make you feel all sorts. You will feel anger, frustration, pity, you will be left on the edge of your seat."

Michael Robotham's novel was based on a missing case of Abbie Humphries. Released in 2015, it became a hit with fans.

The Secrets She Keeps can be streamed on Channel 4 now