ITV Commissions The Suspect

ITV has commissioned 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.

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).

Aidan Turner said: "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), Anjli Mohindra (Vigil, Bodyguard) and Bobby Schofield (Time, Anthony).

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."

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.

www.itv.com