ITV teases 'high-stakes' spy thriller and it's just days away
ITV's new espionage thriller Secret Service stars Gemma Arterton and Rafe Spall
Viewers have declared they "can't wait" after ITV teased its highly anticipated new espionage thriller.
Starring Gemma Arterton and Rafe Spall, Secret Service has been adapted from the bestselling novel by ITV News' Tom Bradby. The broadcaster has pledged "high-stakes drama" and "political intrigue" in the five-part series, which delves into the shadowy world of espionage set against a backdrop of mounting tensions between the UK and Russia.
Posting an image of Gemma in character as MI6 officer Kate Henderson, ITV wrote on Instagram: "Could a high-ranking British politician be working as a Russian asset? A covert investigation points to a chilling possibility at the heart of power."
"Cannot wait to see new drama Secret Service," one viewer posted on Instagram. "Excellent news!" said another.
"Looking forward to it," one commented on Facebook, while somebody else described writer Bradby's tale as "brilliant", reports the Mirror.
Read more: 'Gripping' new ITV crime thriller with Doctor Who star drops explosive trailer
Read more: Gemma Arterton’s co-star astonished to learn she's given birth
An official synopsis reads: "The drama follows senior MI6 officer Kate Henderson (Gemma). On the surface, her life appears ordinary - a civil servant married to Stuart (Rafe) 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 UK 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."
When the espionage thriller was unveiled, Gemma said: "I am delighted to be stepping into the world of such a topical and gripping espionage thriller with this talented creative team."
Describing it as "incredibly exciting", she continued: "I can't wait to bring this story to life alongside the outstanding cast."
The cast of the series — shot on location in Malta and London — also features former Strictly contestant Alex Kingston, Mark Stanley from Adolescence, Endeavour's Roger Allam and Khalid Abdalla, widely recognised for his roles in The Day of the Jackal and The Crown.
Bradby has revealed he has been "blown away by the quality of the cast" of the production, further stating: "And the show could hardly be more timely and topical."
Secret Service will launch on Monday April 27 at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
