‘The Suspect’: Aidan Turner To Star In Adaptation of Michael Robotham’s Best Selling Novel For ITV
Vampire turned dwarf turned shirtless historical land-owner Aidan Turner has landed a new role as Dr. Joseph O’Loughlin in ITV’s ‘The Suspect‘, adapted from the best selling novel by Michael Robotham, produced by World Productions, directed by James Strong and written by Peter Berry.
The series introduces Doctor Joe O’Loughlin (Turner), who appears to have the perfect life – a devoted wife, a loving daughter, successful practice as a clinical psychologist, media profile and a publishing deal. He’s even a hero online after rescuing a young patient who was ready to jump from the tenth floor of the hospital where Joe works.
When a young woman is found in a shallow grave in a West London cemetery, veteran police officer DI Vincent Ruiz and his young partner DS Riya Devi are assigned to the investigation. But has the young woman been murdered or is this a case of suicide? As a successful author, Doctor Joe’s opinion is much sought after and when he meets DS Devi he’s only too willing to offer help with profiling and his expertise.
Now known for his risk-taking and rule-breaking does Joe have more to hide? His recent diagnosis with a debilitating illness could explain his behaviour. But as the investigation into Catherine’s death gathers pace, we start to ask, do we know the real Joe, or does he have a secret life? And has his work as a clinical psychologist allowed him to develop a criminal mindset? Or worse?
“I am thrilled to be taking on the complex and demanding role of Joseph O’Loughlin, a man with so much to give but so much to lose, and a hidden darker side,” commented Turner on taking the part.
Aidan will be joined in the cast by this year’s RTS Best Actor winner and Bafta nominee Shaun Parkes (‘Small Axe’, ‘Lost in Space’), Sian Clifford (‘Quiz’, ‘Fleabag’), Camilla Beeput (‘Save Me (Too)’, ‘Peep Show’), Adam James (‘Vigil’, ‘Doctor Foster’) and Anjli Mohindra (‘Vigil’, ‘Bodyguard’).
Written for the screen by Peter Berry (‘Gangs of London’, ‘The Last Enemy’, ‘Prime Suspect 6’), ‘The Suspect’ was the debut novel of Michael Robotham, the highly regarded best-selling fiction writer whose novels have been translated into twenty-five languages and topped best-seller lists around the world. Michael is also one of only five writers, including John Le Carre and Ruth Rendell, to twice win the UK Gold Dagger Award for best crime novel.
“Bringing The Suspect to the screen has been a fantastic and fascinating journey,” adds Berry. “I hope the audience will find it equally enthralling as they delve the depths of a truly iconic character caught up in a story that will test his faith in his profession, his family and himself.”
‘The Suspect’ will be filmed on location in London during the autumn of 2021. The drama will be produced by Natasha Romaniuk (‘Angela Black’, ‘The Split’) and the first three episodes are directed by James Strong (‘Vigil’, ‘Liar’, ‘Broadchurch’). Episodes 4-5 will be directed by Camilla Strøm Henriksen (‘Phoenix’, ‘Occupied S3’, ‘The Truth Will Out S2’). The drama is executive produced by Jake Lushington, James Strong and Peter Berry. World Productions, the people behind smash hits such as ‘Line Of Duty’, ‘Vigil’, ‘Save Me’, and ‘Bodyguard’ produce the series.
“I’m thrilled that The Suspect is being adapted by World Productions which has such an amazing track record of creating quality TV drama,” said author Michael Robotham. “And Aidan Turner is an inspired choice to play the lead character of Joe O’Loughlin. I could not be in safer hands.”
‘The Suspect‘ does not yet have a premiere date, but if you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when they get a UK premiere date.
