ITV has given a series order to an adaptation of the espionage thriller ‘Secret Service‘, based on the novel by ITV News anchor, Tom Bradby.
Adapted from Tom’s tense, topical novel of the same title, ‘Secret Service’, is a suspenseful, fresh-from-the-headlines story deeply rooted in today’s political landscape. Tom has collaborated with fellow screenwriter, Jemma Kennedy, (Captain Webb) to write the series which will premiere on ITV1 and be available for streaming on ITVX.
‘Secret Service’ delves into the long-standing tensions between Russia and the UK, and asks how far can Russian interference in British politics really go? The drama follows senior MI6 officer, Kate Henderson, whose life must seem pretty ordinary to those who don’t know her well, as she’s happily married with two teenagers and a job in the civil service.
However, Kate’s real job is heading up the Russia Desk of the Secret Intelligence Service. When her undercover operations reveal alarming evidence that a senior UK politician is possibly a high-level Russian asset, Kate is in a race against time to uncover their identity. Then a young woman is brutally murdered, throwing Kate and her team into the spotlight. With blood on her hands, her reputation to uphold, her family hanging by a thread, and an election looming, Kate is quickly running out of options and the clock is ticking….
“We are delighted to be working with Tom, Jemma and the team at Potboiler to bring this story of a new cold war to our screens,” said Helen Ziegler, ITV’s Senior Drama Commissioner, who will oversee production of the drama on the broadcaster. “Tom and Jemma’s thrilling scripts could not be more timely in their exploration of this complex cat-and-mouse game between East and West.”
From the author of Master of Rain and The White Russian, Tom Bradby has been a finalist for multiple Crime Writers Association awards and also has television drama The Great Fire and the acclaimed film Shadow Dancer (also adapted from his eponymous novel) amongst his credits.
Set in London, and moving between vivid European locations, ‘Secret Service’ is produced by leading independent producers Potboiler Productions with filming commencing in London and Malta early next year.
“I always dreamed of turning Secret Service into a compelling and enthralling TV series, so I am completely thrilled that ITV have commissioned this series and can’t wait to be on set in London and Malta,” adds Bradby. “I felt the themes were achingly topical when I wrote the novel – and they have only become more so since.”
Gail Egan (Funny Woman, A Most Wanted Man, The Little Stranger) and Andrea Calderwood (Funny Woman, The Buccaneers, The Boy who harnessed the Wind) will executive produce the series for Potboiler Productions (The Last King of Scotland, Generation Kill.) The drama will be produced in association with All3Media International who will handle the international distribution of the series. Polly Hill has commissioned the five-part series alongside Ziegler.
“It is very exciting to be working with Polly and Helen at ITV on this thrilling story of espionage and politics,” commented Egan and Calderwood. “Tom and Jemma have created a bold and compelling drama that looks behind the curtain at the real world of modern-day spies and the machinations happening in the corridors of power which affect us all.”
‘Secret Service‘ does not yet have a premiere date but will air on ITV1 and ITVX. If you want to keep track of this or any other show, you can add it via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date.