Quantum of Solace’s Gemma Arterton to Lead Spy Show Secret Service

Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace, The King’s Man) has officially signed on for the leading role in ITV’s five-part espionage drama series titled, Secret Service. She is set to portray the role of a UK intelligence officer, who must find a way to uncover the identity of a Russian mole within the ranks of the British government.

“I am delighted to be stepping into the world of such a topical and gripping espionage thriller with this talented creative team,” Arterton said in a statement. “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.”

In addition, Rafe Spall (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom), Mark Stanley (Adolescence), Alex Kingston (Doctor Who), Roger Allam (Endeavour), Amaka Okafor (Bodies), and Khalid Abdalla (The Day of the Jackal) have also been cast to join Arterton in the upcoming show, based on Tom Bradby’s 2019 novel of the same name.

What is Secret Service starring Gemma Arterton about?

“The series 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,” reads the official synopsis. “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.”

Secret Service will be directed by Oscar winner James Marsh and Farren Blackburn from a screenplay written by Bradby and Jemma Kennedy. It is executive produced by Gail Egan and Andrea Calderwood. It hails from Potboiler Productions. Production is expected begin this coming spring in Malta and London.

(Source: The Hollywood Reporter)