The six-part ITV drama will shoot in Manchester later this year

Ben Stephenson’s production company Poison Pen Studios is developing Adultery, a new ITV drama from veteran TV writer Danny Brocklehurst.

The six-episode run – the company’s first drama commission – will shoot in Manchester later this year. The story centres on Tom and his teenage daughter Jess, who has found love with schoolmate Ollie. When Tom meets Ollie’s mother Beth in unexpected circumstances, and embark upon a passionate affair, the two families’ lives are upended.

Adultery will be executive produced by Stephenson, Preethi Mavahalli and Luke Woellhaf for Poison Pen, alongside writer Brocklehurst.

Stephenson, a former BBC head of drama who commissioned Line of Duty, Last Tango in Halifax and Sherlock among others – launched Poison Pen Studios in January 2023. The company is part of ITV Studios and also has offices in LA.

Stephenson said of the news: “I am so happy to be able announce this as our first commission for Poison Pen. Danny and Polly share our passion for popular, smart drama – is there anyone more in tune with the audience than these two? We are delighted to be collaborating together on this!”

Brocklehurst added: “This is a drama about passion and I’ve passionately wanted to write it for some time. I’m thrilled to be partnering with ITV and Poison Pen to bring audiences a show about how love and sex have the capacity to lift us to the highest highs and the lowest lows.”

Adultery is produced in association with ITV Studios, who will also distribute the series internationally.