ITV : has commissioned gripping, nail-biting thriller, The Suspect, starring Aidan Turner

ITV commissions psychological thriller, The Suspect, starring Aidan Turner as Dr. Joseph O'Loughlin, adapted from the best selling novel by Michael Robotham, produced by World Productions, directed by James Strong and written by Peter Berry

ITV has commissioned gripping, nail-biting thriller, The Suspect, starring Aidan Turner (Leonardo, Poldark, The Way of the Wind), from globally renowned, World Productions.

The five-part drama will be produced by the Line of Duty, Vigil and The Pembrokeshire Murders producers, with filming overseen by executive producer and World Productions' Head of Drama Jake Lushington (Vigil, Born To Kill, The Bletchley Circle).

Commented Aidan Turner:

"I am thrilled to be taking on the complex and demanding role of Joseph O'Loughlin, a man with so much to give but so much to lose, and a hidden darker side."

Aidan will be joined in the cast by this year's RTS Best Actor winner and Bafta nominee Shaun Parkes (Small Axe, Lost in Space), Sian Clifford (Quiz, Fleabag), Camilla Beeput (Save Me (Too), Peep Show), Adam James (Vigil, Doctor Foster) and Anjli Mohindra (Vigil, Bodyguard).

Written for the screen by Peter Berry (Gangs of London, The Last Enemy, Prime Suspect 6), The Suspect was the debut novel of Michael Robotham, the highly regarded best-selling fiction writer whose novels have been translated into twenty-five languages and topped best-seller lists around the world. Michael is also one of only five writers, including John Le Carre and Ruth Rendell, to twice win the UK Gold Dagger Award for best crime novel.

Commented Peter Berry:

"Bringing The Suspect to the screen has been a fantastic and fascinating journey. I hope the audience will find it equally enthralling as they delve the depths of a truly iconic character caught up in a story that will test his faith in his profession, his family and himself."

Commented Michael Robotham:

"I'm thrilled that The Suspect is being adapted by World Productions which has such an amazing track record of creating quality TV drama. And Aidan Turner is an inspired choice to play the lead character of Joe O'Loughlin. I could not be in safer hands."

The series introduces Doctor Joe O'Loughlin, played by Aidan Turner, who appears to have the perfect life - a devoted wife, a loving daughter, successful practice as a clinical psychologist, media profile and a publishing deal. He's even a hero online after rescuing a young patient who was ready to jump from the tenth floor of the hospital where Joe works.

When a young woman is found in a shallow grave in a West London cemetery, veteran police officer DI Vincent Ruiz and his young partner DS Riya Devi are assigned to the investigation. But has the young woman been murdered or is this a case of suicide?

As a successful author, Doctor Joe's opinion is much sought after and when he meets DS Devi he's only too willing to offer help with profiling and his expertise.

Now known for his risk-taking and rule-breaking does Joe have more to hide? His recent diagnosis with a debilitating illness could explain his behaviour. But as the investigation into Catherine's death gathers pace, we start to ask, do we know the real Joe, or does he have a secret life? And has his work as a clinical psychologist allowed him to develop a criminal mindset? Or worse?

The Suspect has been commissioned for ITV by Head of Drama Polly Hill and Drama Commissioner Huw Kennair-Jones.

Commented Huw Kennair-Jones:

"Peter has combined an exciting narrative full of twists and turns with the exploration of a richly compelling character in Joe O'Loughlin and has brought Michael Robotham's much loved book brilliantly to life. We're thrilled to have Aidan Turner to play Joe and to be working with World Productions on what promises to be a gripping new series."

The Suspect will be filmed on location in London during the autumn of 2021. The drama will be produced by Natasha Romaniuk (Angela Black, The Split) and the first three episodes are directed by James Strong (Vigil, Liar, Broadchurch). Episodes 4-5 will be directed by Camilla Strøm Henriksen (Phoenix, Occupied S3, The Truth Will Out S2). The drama is executive produced by Jake Lushington, James Strong and Peter Berry.

Commented Jake Lushington on behalf of World Productions:

"When I first read Michael's brilliant unputdownable book I felt there was the huge potential for a must-watch television series and the creation of an iconic character. With Peter Berry adapting and James Strong directing the creative team couldn't be stronger. Finally with the immensely talented and magnetic Aidan Turner agreeing to take the part, supported by the brilliant Shaun Parkes and such a strong ensemble, World couldn't be more excited about bringing The Suspect to an ITV audience."

Commented James Strong:

"I'm thrilled to be directing the forthcoming ITV thriller The Suspect for World Productions. Peter Berry has written an utterly compelling set of scripts which had me gripped from the first page. The show will be a high-octane psychological thriller - full of brilliant twists and turns, but also a fascinating insight into the mind of a top psychologist. We have assembled a brilliant cast and with London as our backdrop, I'm extremely excited to bring The Suspect to the screen."

The Suspect will be distributed internationally by ITV Studios.

World Productions have recently filmed Karen Pirie for ITV, an adaptation of Val McDermid's bestselling novel The Distant Echo, starring Lauren Lyle in the leading role and adapted for television by Emer Kenny. The drama was filmed on location in Scotland.

World Productions, part of ITV Studios, also produced the three part drama, The Pembrokeshire Murders, starring Luke Evans, Keith Allen and Alexandria Riley, and written by Nick Stevens and directed by Marc Evans, which is the top rated new drama on any channel so far this year.

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Note to Editors:

The Pembrokeshire Murders was watched by a total average audience of 10.9 million viewers in the first week since the three-part series was broadcast. The figure includes seven day catch-up viewing on ITV Hub, as well as non-TV devices and same-day repeats.

The series was watched by 9.3m TV viewers, which makes it the biggest new ITV drama series since Broadchurch in 2013. And it was the biggest new drama on any channel since BBC1's Bodyguard in 2018.