How would your life change if you suddenly won £14 million? That's the question at the heart of Channel 5's upcoming drama, Big Winners, which follows a couple, played by Last Tango in Halifax’s Paul Copley and Downton Abbey’s Sue Johnston, in the aftermath of a huge lottery windfall. Think of it a bit like The Syndicate, but funnier!

The series follows Arthur and Edith Thistle, a couple who have been married for 53 years and have so far lived a fairly modest existence. A good one, too. That all changes, however, when their numbers come up on the lottery and they quite literally hit the jackpot. While Arthur dreams of a life of luxury, picturing champagne, cruises and golf clubs, Edith has very different plans - namely, to get a divorce… and things are sure to get messy!

While we await the arrival of Big Winners on our screens, here’s everything you need to know about the series, including the plot, cast and how to watch it.

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What is Big Winners about?

As we mentioned, Big Winners follows Edith and Arthur Thistle, a couple who have been married for over half a century, 55 years to be precise. According to the official synopsis, "they have managed to get by - never rich, never extravagant, but always together. That all changes in an instant when they win fourteen million pounds in the lottery. Arthur dreams of spending big, finally tasting the high life. But before the celebrations can begin, Edith drops a bombshell: she wants a divorce.”

london, england december 6: actor sue johnston attends the preview and qa for truelove at bfi southbank on december 6, 2023 in london, england. (photo by peter nicholls/getty images)
PETER NICHOLLS

Channel 5 has described it as a drama about “opportunity, who gets to seize the day and who gets left behind. A thrilling, funny, deeply emotional exploration of lives lived, and lives missed.”

Who’s in the cast of Big Winners?

The cast of Big Winners includes:

  • Sue Johnston (Downton Abbey) as Edith Thistle
  • Paul Copley (Last Tango in Halifax) as Arthur Thistle
  • Alexa Davies (Raised by Wolves) as Jade
  • Mia Tormey as Kaylee

Is Big Winners worth watching?

Yes, we have a feeling it’s going to be a winner! With two stars from beloved dramas at the forefront, and an attractive premise about a lottery win - which, let’s be honest, is always an exciting prospect - it’s got all the makings of a TV megahit. There’s also some fresh talent attached to it: Martha Watson Allpress (of Patricia Gets Ready) is making her TV writing debut, while Emma Turner will also make her debut as director.

How can I watch Big Winners?

Channel 5 hasn’t yet announced a release date for Big Winners, but we do know that it’s set to air later this year. As soon as we have a confirmed date, we'll share it here.

What else can I watch Sue Johnston in?

4226_d030_02755_r(l to r) laura carmichael stars as lady edith, harry hadden paton as bertie hexham, elizabeth mcgovern as cora grantham, hugh bonneville stars as robert grantham and michelle dockery as lady mary in downton abbey: the grand finale, a focus features release.credit: rory mulvey / © 2025 focus features llc
Rory Mulvey

Both Sue Johnston and Paul Copley have appeared in Julian Fellowes' hit period drama Downton Abbey - Johnston stars as Miss Denker, a lady’s maid to the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith), while Copley plays Albert Mason, a tenant farmer under the Crawleys and the father of William Mason. Excitingly, the franchise’s third film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, is arriving in cinemas on Friday 12th September.