Gemma Arterton will spearhead the stellar ensemble of ITV's newest espionage thriller, "Secret Service." This five-episode saga, adapted from the novel penned by ITV News anchor Tom Bradby and produced by Potboiler Productions, also boasts an impressive lineup featuring Rafe Spall, renowned for his roles in "The English" and "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom," alongside Mark Stanley, acclaimed for his performances in "Adolescence" and "Happy Valley."
The narrative centers on Kate Henderson (Arterton), a senior MI6 officer whose seemingly ordinary life as a civil servant, married to Stuart (Spall) with two teenage children, belies her true identity as the head of the Russia Desk at the Secret Intelligence Service. When her covert missions uncover disturbing evidence suggesting that a prominent UK politician might be a Russian agent, Kate finds herself in a frantic race to uncover their true identity.
According to a synopsis, as a brutal murder brings her team into the public eye, Kate must maneuver through the perilous world of espionage while striving to keep her family intact and safeguard her reputation. Joining Arterton in this captivating series are Alex Kingston ("Doctor Who"), Roger Allam ("Endeavour"), Amaka Okafor ("Bodies"), and Khalid Abdalla ("The Day of the Jackal").
"I am thrilled to dive into the compelling and timely world of espionage with this incredibly talented creative team," expressed Arterton. "Collaborating with Tom Bradby, Jemma Kennedy, James Marsh, and the exceptional production team at Potboiler is exhilarating. I eagerly anticipate bringing this tale to life alongside such an outstanding cast."
This five-episode series marks a creative reunion between Bradby and Oscar-winner James Marsh, director of the acclaimed documentary "Man on Wire." "We've assembled an exceptional ensemble of actors to breathe life into these gripping, engaging scripts that eerily resonate with real-world politics," said Marsh. "It's an exhilarating and irresistible opportunity for a filmmaker."
Screenwriter Jemma Kennedy ("The Buccaneers") also joins the project, set to commence filming in Malta and London this spring. The talented ensemble 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.
Produced by leading independent producers Potboiler Productions, the series is executive produced by Gail Egan and Andrea Calderwood. Marsh will helm the first three episodes, with Farren Blackburn ("Gangs of London") directing episodes four and five. All five episodes are co-written by Bradby and Kennedy, with the production overseen by drama commissioners Helen Ziegler and Huw Kennair Jones on behalf of the broadcaster.
All3Media International serves as the co-commissioner and will handle the international distribution of "Secret Service." Commissioned for ITV by director of drama Polly Hill, "Secret Service" is set to premiere on ITV1, STV, ITVX, and STV Player in 2026, promising viewers an exhilarating and suspenseful journey into the hidden realms of espionage.
