Published: April 24, 2025 -- Set against the harbour and winding backstreets of Valletta, the images offer a first glimpse at the scale and ambition of the five-part series, which promises high-stakes drama, political intrigue, and an outstanding cast led by Gemma Arterton (Funny Woman, The Critic).

Filmed in Malta and London this spring, Secret Service is adapted from the topical novel by ITV News anchor Tom Bradby and produced by Potboiler Productions.

With direction from Oscar-winner James Marsh (Man on Wire, The Theory of Everything) and a cast including Rafe Spall, Alex Kingston, Mark Stanley, Roger Allam, Amaka Okafor, Aoife Hinds, Avi Nash, Alma Prelec and Khalid Abdalla, the series explores the world of espionage against the backdrop of escalating tensions between the UK and Russia.

Suspenseful, timely, and cinematic, Secret Service follows senior MI6 officer Kate Henderson (Gemma Arterton) as a covert investigation uncovers evidence that a high-ranking UK politician may be working as a Russian asset. With trust shattered and her career on the line, Kate must navigate the shifting sands of political loyalty, international threat, and personal sacrifice.

Produced by leading independent producers Potboiler Productions, the series is executive produced by Gail Egan (Funny Woman, A Most Wanted Man, The Little Stranger) and Andrea Calderwood (The Buccaneers, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind).

ITV’s Director of Drama Polly Hill has commissioned the series and the production is overseen by Drama Commissioner Huw Kennair Jones on behalf of the broadcaster. All3Media International are co-commissioners and will be responsible for the international distribution of the drama.

The series is set to premiere on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player in 2026.