Acclaimed actress Gemma Arterton will headline Secret Service, a new five-part espionage drama commissioned by ITV. The series is adapted from the topical novel by ITV News anchor Tom Bradby and is a tense exploration of contemporary geopolitics.
Here’s the Lowdown: Arterton stars as Kate Henderson, a senior MI6 officer leading the Russia Desk, whose seemingly ordinary life masks a high-stakes job. When she uncovers evidence suggesting a top UK politician might be a Russian agent, she faces a race against time amidst escalating danger. The impressive supporting cast includes Rafe Spall, Mark Stanley, Alex Kingston, Roger Allam, Amaka Okafor, and Khalid Abdalla.
What This Means Now: Secret Service is a major new thriller for ITV, tackling the sensitive issue of Russian interference in British politics. The project reunites writer Tom Bradby with Oscar-winning director James Marsh (Man on Wire, The Theory of Everything), who helms the first three episodes. Filming is set to commence this spring in Malta and London, with a premiere slated for 2026.
The Bigger Picture: Produced by Potboiler Productions (Funny Woman, A Most Wanted Man), the series aims to deliver suspense rooted in current political realities. With a high-profile cast and experienced creative team, ITV is banking on Secret Service to be a significant draw for viewers on ITV1 and ITVX. The series, co-written by Bradby and Jemma Kennedy, holds international potential, with All3Media International handling distribution.
