The spy series is adapted from Tom Bradby’s book of the same name

Filming begins today, 31 March, on ITV spy drama Secret Service, starring Gemma Arterton.

The five x 60’ series is adapted from Tom Bradby’s novel by Potboiler Productions; Bradby has written the drama alongside Jemma Kennedy, with James Marsh directing the first three episodes. Secret Service is the second creative collaboration between Marsh and Bradby, following feature film Shadow Dancer.

Rafe Spall, Mark Stanley, Alex Kingston, Roger Allam, Amaka Okafor and Khalid Abdalla are among the supporting cast; shooting takes place in London and Malta.

Gail Egan and Andrea Calderwood exec produce with Farren Blackburn on board to direct episodes four and five. The production is overseen by drama commissioners, Helen Ziegler and Huw Kennair Jones, on behalf of ITV.

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

Commented director Marsh: “We’ve assembled a brilliant ensemble of actors to bring to life these gripping, compelling scripts which have uncanny echoes in real-world politics. It’s an exciting and irresistible prospect for a film maker.”

Bradby added: “It is unbelievably exciting to be on the cusp of filming this drama and very thrilling to be working with James Marsh again, after the brilliant experience we had with Shadow Dancer. And as for the cast? Gemma Arterton, Rafe Spall, Roger Allam and many more fantastic actors… I’m really blown away by the quality of the cast Gail and the producers have put together. And the show could hardly be more timely and topical.”

Subscribers to Production Intelligence had advance news on Secret Service, including details on key department heads and shoot dates. To request a free walkaround of the site, click here.