ITV has confirmed the premiere for ‘The Hack’, the hotly anticipated seven-part drama from BAFTA-winning writer Jack Thorne, which digs deep into the infamous phone-hacking scandal.
The series stars David Tennant (Doctor Who, Inside Man) as investigative journalist Nick Davies, the reporter who uncovered evidence of widespread phone-hacking at News of the World. Running in parallel is the story of the police investigation into the unsolved murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan, led by former Met Police detective Dave Cook, played by Robert Carlyle (Once Upon A Time, Trainspotting).
Joining Tennant and Carlyle is an ensemble of British acting heavyweights. Toby Jones (Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Sherlock) portrays The Guardian’s former editor Alan Rusbridger, while Steve Pemberton (Inside No. 9) takes on Rupert Murdoch. The cast also includes Rose Leslie (Miss Austen), Dougray Scott (Crime), Eve Myles (Torchwood), Adrian Lester (Hustle), Katherine Kelly (Protection), Kevin Doyle (Line of Duty), Neil Maskell (Hijack), Lara Pulver (Spooks), Lee Ingleby (The Long Shadow), Pip Torrens (Poldark), Lisa McGrillis (Rivals), Sean Pertwee (The Night Caller), Robert Bathurst (Cold Feet), Richard Pepple (The Rig), Nadia Albina (Passenger), Phil Davis (Whitechapel), Ace Bhatti (Alex Rider), and Charlie Brooks (EastEnders).
Directed by BAFTA-winner Lewis Arnold (Time, Sherwood), the drama comes from ITV Studios and Stan Australia, produced by Patrick Spence (Mr Bates vs The Post Office, A Spy Among Friends) and Abi Bach (The Honourable Woman). Jack Thorne also executive produces alongside Tennant himself.
Speaking about the project, Thorne explained:
“This is a strange and deceptive piece of our recent history. One with so many layers to it. I thought, as someone who is interested in politics, I understood everything that happened. I did not. It’s a fight for the truth that really shocked me. That is why it matters to tell this story now in an age where the truth seems more in danger than ever.”
Polly Hill, ITV’s Head of Drama, added:
“I am very proud to have made this important drama with Patrick Spence, Jack Thorne and Lewis Arnold. They are a brilliant team and the perfect people to bring this story to screen. And it’s testament to them that we have such an incredible cast led by David Tennant, Robert Carlyle and Toby Jones.”
‘The Hack’ has been billed as both a gripping political thriller and a forensic look at one of the most controversial scandals in modern British journalism. Expect big performances, sharp writing, and a chance to see Tennant and Carlyle step into roles quite unlike anything they have done before.
‘The Hack’ premieres Wednesday, 24th September 2025 at 9pm on ITV1, with episodes also streaming on ITVX.
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