The Channel 5 drama The Au Pair has released all its episodes, delivering an intense and emotional storyline. The series follows Zoe Dalton (Sally Bretton), who seems to have an ideal life with her husband Chris (Kenny Doughty) and her two stepchildren in a peaceful rural home.
However, their world is turned upside down when a French au pair, Sandrine (Ludmilla Makowski), arrives. As the episodes unfold, Zoe learns that Sandrine is actually her biological daughter—a truth that her family has been hiding. The shocking revelation forces Zoe to confront her past and the circumstances surrounding Sandrine’s birth.
Sandrine’s Painful Past and the Dark Truth Behind Her Adoption
Sandrine was raised under the name Stephanie Lacroix, believing she was abandoned. In reality, Zoe had been told that her baby had died at birth, but her father, George (David Suchet), secretly arranged for the child to be illegally adopted. He collaborated with Chris, who was then a junior doctor, to place the baby with a French couple.
Unfortunately, Sandrine’s adoptive parents were abusive, subjecting her to neglect and cruelty. She suffered through years of mistreatment, leading her to a life of crime, including shoplifting, identity theft, and even arson. Determined to uncover the truth and seek justice, Sandrine traveled to the UK after receiving an anonymous tip about her real mother.
The Au Pair (Photo: Channel 5)While George admitted his role in the illegal adoption and expressed regret, it was Chris who was revealed as the true villain. He had been deeply involved in an underground adoption network, targeting young, vulnerable mothers and selling their babies to the highest bidder.
Over the years, he profited from these unethical deals, working closely with Fred Gastou (Louis Bernard) to ensure that the truth never came to light. When Marie (Virginie Ledoyen) attempted to expose Chris and Fred’s activities, she was murdered by Fred. As Sandrine searched for answers, Chris saw her as a threat and kidnapped her, planning to silence her for good.
Chris’s Crimes Unravel as the Truth Comes to Light in Finale
In the final moments of the series, tensions reached their peak as Chris’s crimes unraveled. He tried to cover his tracks by offering Raye’s (Ebimie Anthony) newborn baby to Fred as compensation. Meanwhile, George attempted to confess everything to Zoe, but Chris drugged him to prevent him from speaking out.
Zoe, however, overhears a crucial phone call that reveals Chris’s involvement in the illegal adoption ring. When she confronted him, their argument escalated, with Sandrine arriving in the middle of the chaos. In a desperate move, Chris held Sandrine hostage with a needle to her neck. Before he could harm her, the police arrived just in time to arrest him.
Despite the traumatic events, George survived Chris’s attack and finally acknowledged the pain his actions had caused. He expressed deep remorse and was willing to accept the consequences of his past decisions. Instead of shutting him out, Zoe and her family allowed him to stay with them, hinting at a possible reconciliation.
With Chris imprisoned and the truth exposed, Zoe and Sandrine were given a chance to rebuild their lost relationship. Although the past could never be changed, the family had an opportunity to heal and move forward together. The Au Pair concluded on a hopeful note, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Zoe and her daughter.
