Gemma Arterton will lead the cast of ITV’s new espionage drama, Secret Service.
Adapted from the novel by ITV News anchor Tom Bradby and produced by Potboiler Productions, Secret Service will be a five-part drama also starring Rafe Spall (The English, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom) and Mark Stanley (Adolescence, Happy Valley).
The show follows senior MI6 officer Kate Henderson (Arterton). On the surface, her life appears ordinary— a civil servant married to Stuart (Spall) with two teenage children — however, to those who don’t know her well, Kate’s true role is heading the Russia Desk at the Secret Intelligence Service.
When her undercover operations reveal alarming evidence that a high-ranking U.K. politician may be a Russian asset, Kate finds herself in a desperate race to uncover their identity. “As a brutal murder thrusts her team into the spotlight, Kate must navigate the dangerous world of espionage while trying to hold her family together and protect her reputation,” a plot synopsis reads.
Also joining Arterton in the series is Alex Kingston (Doctor Who), Roger Allam (Endeavour) Amaka Okafor (Bodies) and Khalid Abdalla (The Day of the Jackal).
“I am delighted to be stepping into the world of such a topical and gripping espionage thriller with this talented creative team,” said Arteton. “Collaborating with Tom Bradby, Jemma Kennedy, James Marsh, and the remarkable production team at Potboiler is incredibly exciting. I can’t wait to bring this story to life alongside the outstanding cast.”
The five-part series marks a creative reunion between Bradby and Oscar-winner James Marsh, director of the Oscar-winning documentary Man on Wire. “We’ve assembled a brilliant ensemble of actors to bring to life these gripping, compelling scripts which have uncanny echoes in real-world politics,” said Marsh. “It’s an exciting and irresistible prospect for a film maker.”
Screenwriter Jemma Kennedy (The Buccaneers) also boards the project, set to film on location in Malta and London this spring.
The ensemble cast 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 will be executive produced by Gail Egan and Andrea Calderwood. Marsh will direct the first three episodes, with Farren Blackburn (Gangs of London) joining to direct episodes four and five. All five episodes are co-written by Bradby and Kennedy. The production will be overseen by drama commissioners, Helen Ziegler and Huw Kennair Jones, on behalf of the broadcaster.
All3Media International is the co-commissioner and will be responsible for the international distribution of Secret Service. Commissioned for ITV by director of drama Polly Hill, Secret Service will premiere on ITV1, STV, ITVX, and STV Player in 2026.