Tom Bradby’s Secret Service to be turned into ITV1 series

Tom Bradby’s bestselling novel Secret Service is being turned into an ITV1 TV series.

Secret Service delves into the long-standing tensions between Russia and the UK, and asks how far can Russian interference in British politics really go?

Polly Hill – ITV’s Head of Drama – has commissioned the five-part series alongside Senior Drama Commissioner, Helen Ziegler, who will oversee production of the drama on the broadcaster’s behalf. Jemma Kennedy will co-write the series alongside Tom Bradby.

“I always dreamed of turning Secret Service into a compelling and enthralling TV series, so I am completely thrilled that ITV have commissioned this series and can’t wait to be on set in London and Malta,” Tom said.

“I felt the themes were achingly topical when I wrote the novel – and they have only become more so since.”

Secret Service follows senior MI6 officer, Kate Henderson, whose life must seem pretty ordinary to those who don’t know her well, as she’s happily married with two teenagers and a job in the civil service.

However, Kate’s real job is heading up the Russia Desk of the Secret Intelligence Service. When her undercover operations reveal alarming evidence that a senior UK politician is possibly a high-level Russian asset, Kate is in a race against time to uncover their identity.

Then a young woman is brutally murdered, throwing Kate and her team into the spotlight. With blood on her hands, her reputation to uphold, her family hanging by a thread, and an election looming, Kate is quickly running out of options and the clock is ticking….

Helen Ziegler, Senior Drama Commissioner, added: “We are delighted to be working with Tom, Jemma and the team at Potboiler to bring this story of a new cold war to our screens.

Tom and Jemma’s thrilling scripts could not be more timely in their exploration of this complex cat-and-mouse game between East and West.”