Is Witness Number 3 based on a true story?
The 'terrifying' new Netflix thriller is gripping fans as we see if there's a real-life case behind the new drama


A 'terrifying' new thriller has landed on Netflix and viewers want to know: is Witness Number 3 based on a true story?
If you love psychological shows about crime and enjoyed The Crowded Room on Apple+ and BBC's The Sixth Commandment - or are looking forward to their much-anticipated release The Woman in the Wall - then this tense drama will be right up your street.
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Witness Number 3 first aired on Channel 5 last year but is now reaching a whole new audience on Netflix, with many new viewers now wanting the show's ending explained.
It follows Jodie (played by Bodyguard's Nina Toussaint-White) who in a 'sliding doors' moment finds her life turned upside down after becoming the key witness in a brutal crime. We reveal, is Witness Number 3 based on a true story?
Is Witness Number 3 based on a true story?
No, Witness Number 3 is not based on a true story. It's completely fictional and follows the story of single mum Jodie, who is the last person to witness a killer and his victim before a murder.
Jodie's life is turned upside down after becoming a key witness in the crime, forcing her to enter police protection. But when a gang is sent to silence her, will the murderer face justice and will she get out unscathed?
Is Witness Number 3 based on book?
No, Witness Number 3 is not based on book. The four-part series was written for Channel 5 by Thomas Eccleshare, who is better known as a playwright.
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It recently dropped on Netflix, winning a whole new audience of fans gripped by the tense crime thriller.
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Who is the cast of Witness Number 3?
The Netflix drama has an epic line of stars, including Nina Toussaint-White from Bodyguard, and Susan Johnston, best known for her role in hit BBC comedy The Royle Family.
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Nina Toussaint-White told her Instagram followers that filming Witness Number 3 had been a challenge as she was a new mum at the time.
She said: "Thank you so much to the amazing cast and crew who made it possible for me to take on this role. Fresh into mummahood, breastfeeding/pumping round the clock, sleep deprived from baby’s teething and the god awful four month regression, I felt incredibly held and supported by this wonderful team."
The Witness Number 3 cast
- Nina Toussaint-White as Jodie Packer (previous roles include Bodyguard, Doctor Who and Casualty)
- Susan Johnstone OBE as Cathy, Jodie's mother (previous roles including Brookside, The Royle Family and Waking the Dead)
- Sion Daniel Young as PC Ivan Barkas (previous roles include Private Peaceful, The Left Behind, and Keeping Faith)
- Clare Dunne as Detective Whelan (previous roles include Nice Night For It, The Cherishing and The Donmar Warehouse's All-Female Shakespeare Trilogy)
- Cole Martin as Jodie's son (previous roles include My Name is Leon)
- Ruaridh Mollica as Po (previous roles include Too Rough and Tell it to the Bees)
Cole Martin as Kyle in Witness Number 3
Witness Number 3 release date
Witness Number 3 was first released on Channel 5 on 18 July 2022. All four episodes are now available to stream on Netflix.
📺 Just finished Witness number 3 on Netflix. Soooo good 👌 suspense, twists and a good ending for once 👏 #witnessnumber3 pic.twitter.com/Gavmc2wMhgAugust 4, 2023
In other TV news, we reveal is The Crowded Room based on a true story, Is The Bear based on a true story and the Pain Hustlers true story too.

Maddy Biddulph is a freelance journalist specialising in lifestyle and family-focused content. With 25 years in consumer media, she has worked as a writer and editor for some of the bestselling newspapers, magazines and websites in the UK and US. As a mum of two art-obsessed daughters, Daphne and Esther, Maddy is always looking for parenting hacks to make life easier. She is also a Level 3 personal trainer, and creates energising workouts for busy mums who need some me time.