The series is based on a gripping novel of the same name by ITV News anchor, Tom Bradby.
Gemma Arterton will lead the cast of ITV’s new espionage drama, Secret Service.
She will be joined by Rafe Spall, Mark Stanley, Alex Kingston, Roger Allam, Amaka Okafor, and Khalid Abdalla.
Gemma Arterton said:
“I am delighted to be stepping into the world of such a topical and gripping espionage thriller with this talented creative team. Collaborating with Tom Bradby, Jemma Kennedy, James Marsh, and the remarkable production team at Potboiler is incredibly exciting. I can’t wait to bring this story to life alongside the outstanding cast.”
Secret Service delves into the fraught dynamics between Russia and the UK, posing urgent questions about the extent of Russian interference in British politics. Bradby has collaborated with fellow screenwriter, Jemma Kennedy, to write the series, set to debut on ITV1 and stream on ITVX.
The five-part series marks a creative reunion between Bradby and Oscar-winner James Marsh, who previously worked together on feature film Shadow Dancer. Marsh will direct the first three episodes, with four and five being directed by Farren Blackburn.
James Marsh said:
“We’ve assembled a brilliant ensemble of actors to bring to life these gripping, compelling scripts which have uncanny echoes in real-world politics. It’s an exciting and irresistible prospect for a film maker.”
Central to the story is Kate Henderson, a senior MI6 officer. To most people, Kate’s life seems ordinary – she’s happily married with two teenagers and a job in the civil service. But her real job is heading up the Russia Desk of the Secret Intelligence Service. When her undercover operations uncover evidence that a high-level UK politician may be a Russian asset, Kate is in a race against time to uncover their true identity.
Things take a dark turn when a young woman is brutally murdered, putting Kate and her team in the spotlight. With her reputation, family, and an upcoming election at stake, Kate is running out of options and time is running out.
Tom Bradby said:
“It is unbelievably exciting to be on the cusp of filming this drama and very thrilling to be working with James Marsh again, after the brilliant experience we had with Shadow Dancer. And as for the cast? Gemma Arterton, Rafe Spall, Roger Allam and many more fantastic actors… I’m really blown away by the quality of the cast Gail and the producers have put together. And the show could hardly be more timely and topical.”
The ensemble cast also includes Avi Nash, Aoife Hinds, Rochenda Sandall, Alma Prelec, Galaxie Clear, Harley Barton, Michael Tcherepashenets, Petar Zekavica, Miglen Mirtchev, Juris Žagars and Lana Vlady.
Secret Service will be produced by Potboiler Productions for ITV. Filming will take place in London and Malta this spring with the drama coming to air in 2026.
