ITV has confirmed the commission of a brand-new psychological thriller, The Only Suspect, which is based on the novel of the same name by Louise Candlish.
The series has been adapted by legendary EastEnders writer Simon Ashdown, who has also recently written on shows such as Our House and Trigger Point. Meanwhile, it will star Grey’s Anatomy‘s Kevin McKidd.
The synopsis for the four-part series says: “Set in a leafy London suburb, The Only Suspect follows Alex and Beth, a devoted couple whose picture-perfect suburban life hides a devastating truth.
“Moving between the present day and mid-’90s Camden – at the height of Cool Britannia – the story opens during the sweltering summer of 1995, when a young man buries a body during a violent storm.
“Who the victim is, and why they were killed, is a mystery that tantalisingly threads through the narrative as past and present collide.”
The synopsis continues: “Thirty years later, another heatwave grips a very different world. The abandoned railway track where the body was hidden – running behind Alex and Beth’s street – is being transformed into a nature trail, spearheaded by Beth herself. What is a triumph for the neighbourhood instead threatens catastrophe for Alex.
“Because Alex is the young man who buried the body. Having spent decades living under an assumed name, Alex now faces the unravelling of everything he has built. As diggers prepare to break ground on the very spot where his secret lies, his carefully constructed life spirals – and he must decide how far he is willing to go to keep the truth buried.
“A gripping, twisting thriller, The Only Suspect explores obsession, deception, betrayal, the consequences of the recklessness of youth and secrets that refuse to stay hidden.”
On starring in the series, McKidd said in a statement: “Working with ITV on The Only Suspect feels like coming home for me. As an actor, the complex and multilayered role of Alex is exciting to explore and I can’t wait to collaborate with Farren, the whole team at Red Planet Pictures and an amazing ensemble of great British actors.”
Want to see this content?
This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose ‘Accept and continue’ to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.
Meanwhile, ITV drama commissioner Huw Kennair-Jones added of the series, which is produced by Red Planet Pictures: “Once again, Simon Ashdown has woven a thrilling story from Louise Candlish’s bestselling novel that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
“Brilliantly produced by the team at Red Planet, The Only Suspect promises to deliver a gripping story full of shocking revelations and twists. It promises to be a real treat for the ITV and ITVX audience”
The series will be directed by Farren Blackburn (Gangs of London), with filming set to begin in London this Spring.
The Only Suspect will air on ITV1 and ITVX.
Add shows to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
