Chloe BBC ending explained—why did she make *that* call and is the sinister drama based on a true story?

That final episode raised a few questions—here's the Chloe BBC ending explained...

Chloe BBC ending explained starring Erin Doherty
(Image credit: BBC)

If you’re hoping to have the Chloe BBC ending explained you’re not alone as the psychological thriller’s intense finale scenes left us reeling. 

Anyone who’s sad Erin Doherty won’t be in The Crown season 5 but can’t help wondering if No Return is a true story and taking in every detail in Trigger Point ITV, then her performance and the chilling Chloe plotline makes this a must-watch. Erin stars as Becky who delves into old friend Chloe Fairbourne's life after her death and soon discovers that nothing you see online is as perfect as it seems. After not speaking for years, Becky received missed calls from Chloe on that fateful day. This isn’t something she’s prepared to let go as and it doesn’t take long for major revelations to emerge leading up to *that* finale.

Here we give you the Chloe BBC ending explained and reveal whether or not this chilling thriller is based on a true story after all…

Chloe BBC drama starring Erin Doherty

(Image credit: BBC)

Chloe BBC ending explained—what happened in Chloe episode 6? 

From the moment the trailer for BBC and Amazon Prime show Chloe landed, it was clear viewers had to prepare for a dark journey of deception and betrayal. Whilst some viewers are still facing an agonizing wait until Chloe episode 6 airs on TV, others have likely binge-watched the series on catch-up by now. This has likely left many people hoping to see the Chloe BBC ending explained after it ended in typically dramatic style. 

Thriller fans who loved the twists in The Tourist ending and The Teacher might have quickly figured out that Chloe and Elliot’s marriage was far from perfect, despite how it was presented on Instagram. And by the end we know just how bad things were as it’s revealed Elliot was controlling his wife, separating her from Livia and leaving Chloe desperate to escape.  

It emerges that Chloe was secretly taking birth control to avoid conceiving Elliot’s child and had slipped away from some Elliot’s work drinks. But she made a tragic oversight as she left the key to the static caravan she’d acquired on the down-low as well as the box filled with cash she’d withdrawn in her husband’s name. 

With not enough money to make it to the caravan, she went to her parents when Elliot wheedled her location out of her mum. On the last night of Chloe’s life she had attempted to escape, with both her mum and Elliot claiming she fell. Whether or not he had a hand in this directly isn’t totally clear, but her husband’s behaviour certainly led her there. 

Chloe BBC drama starring Poppy Gilbert and Billy Howle

(Image credit: BBC)

In Chloe’s nail-biting finale, Becky attempts to leave Elliot's home with her belongings, only to confront him after discovering he locked the front door. Demanding an explanation from her, Becky denies she owes him anything, but Elliot won’t be swayed from bitter accusations. He suggests Becky was back in his late wife’s life, attempting to talk her into leaving him (which she likely would’ve done). 

Becky stands firm as she says, “She wanted to leave you because you made her feel small. And powerless. And scared", before going on to tell him that when it comes to getting people to love her “at least [she doesn’t] have to chase them off a cliff”. 

Safe to say Elliot doesn’t react well to this and for a moment viewers might be left fearing Becky is about to meet a terrifying end like her old friend. Ultimately, she leaves in her car, with him chasing her down the driveway. 

Chloe BBC cast

(Image credit: BBC)

And he’s not about to get off so easily as Becky creates a new post on Chloe’s Instagram profile sharing the audio of him screaming at her after she made her accusations. Livia and Becky go on to talk and it seems Elliot is facing serious repercussions following the video as the two women look over Chloe's cash box and her practice attempt to forge Elliot's signature to withdraw the money. 

Becky ended the show knowing that Chloe had tried to reach out to her old friend. Chloe’s letter expressing regret that they ever drifted after attending separate schools makes Becky realise why she made the calls to her on that day.

Is Chloe based on a true story? 

With so many thrillers out there, including Landscapers and The Manhunt The Night Stalker based on real life cases, it’s all too easy to wonder if Chloe is based on a true story. Thankfully for anyone worried after the truth of what happened to Chloe Fairbourne in the show came to light, the BBC and Amazon Prime Video series is actually fictional

Chloe is writer Alice Seabright’s first series for the BBC, though she’s perhaps best known for her brilliant work on Netflix hit Sex Education. She was joined on Chloe by co-writers Kayleigh Llewellyn, Poppy Cogan, and Bolu Babalola.

Chloe BBC starring Poppy Gilbert

(Image credit: BBC)

Though the focus on social media and the finale reveal that Chloe and Elliot's relationship was an abusive one certainly reflect powerful real-life issues, they aren't directly based on any specific events. Given the strong cast performances, however, and the believable themes in Chloe, it's no surprise that some might have thought it was based on a true story.

Speaking to the BBC after casting was announced, Alice revealed, "All these characters have been a dream to write, and it now feels like they’ve found their soulmates in our amazing cast. I can’t wait to start bringing the show to life with them, and with our wonderful crew."

How many episodes of Chloe BBC are there and how to watch  

Psychological drama Chloe is six episodes long and airs at 9pm on BBC One on Sundays and Mondays. The next instalment, Chloe episode 3, will be broadcast on Sunday February 13th, but if you’re not going to be around to watch it live then that doesn’t mean you can’t be drawn into the sinister storyline. All episodes of Chloe are available to watch on BBC iPlayer now, just like other shows like BBC’s Showtrial and This is Going to Hurt

Anyone already looking forward to checking out BBC’s Chloe for themselves but who lives outside the UK will soon get to enjoy the full series on Amazon Prime Video. The service co-produced Chloe with the BBC and whilst the exact Amazon Prime release date has not yet been confirmed, it’s thought it won’t be too far away. 

Sadly if you’re abroad when Chloe BBC airs you won’t be able to watch it or catch-up on the show on BBC iPlayer until you’re home, thanks to regional restrictions. Luckily there’s an easy solution and you can use a VPN to continue watching this creepy drama. This is a handy bit of software that changes your IP address so that you can access on-demand content or live TV just as if you were at home.

Our sister site, TechRadar, has tested all of the major VPN services and they rate ExpressVPN as the absolute best. They say, “It’s compatible with all of your devices, supports most streaming services, and ranks among the fastest. You can even install it on devices like an Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Xbox, and PlayStation. So for a one-stop-shop, you can’t go wrong with Express.”

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Ranked among one of the fastest VPN providers, this risk-free service is also compatible with all of your devices. Enjoy access to almost any streaming service, and if you don't like it there's a 30-day money-back guarantee.

If you've never installed a VPN before, don't worry, it's quick and easy. Just follow these three steps:


  1. Download and install the VPN following ExpressVPN's easy-to-follow instructions.
  2. Once you've installed your VPN, open the app and select your server location as anywhere in the UK.
  3. With your VPN installed and server location set to UK, you can now watch Chloe online. 

VPN disclaimer

(Image credit: Future)

So the next time you have a free moment, why not settle down and race through way through this intriguing psychological thriller? Now you know the full ending explanation, there are sure to be brand new details you never spotted first time around emerging from the shadows...

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!