ITV Unveils Gripping New Crime Thriller from Death in Paradise Creators
ITV has officially commissioned a suspenseful new four-part crime drama titled The Only Suspect, starring acclaimed actor Kevin McKidd, best known for his role in Grey's Anatomy. The series is being produced by Red Planet Pictures, the renowned team behind the hit show Death in Paradise, promising a twist-laden narrative that will captivate audiences.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
Kevin McKidd, celebrated for his portrayal of Dr. Owen Hunt in Grey's Anatomy and roles in Highlander, takes on the lead role of Alex, a character with a dark and complex past. The adaptation is penned by Simon Ashdown, based on the bestselling novel by Louise Candlish, ensuring a faithful yet thrilling translation to the screen.
Executive producers Belinda Campbell and Tom Mullens from Red Planet Pictures are at the helm, with Farren Blackburn directing. McKidd expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Working with ITV on The Only Suspect feels like coming home for me. The complex role of Alex is exciting to explore, and I look forward to collaborating with this talented team."
Intricate Plot Spanning Decades
The story unfolds in a quiet suburban area of London, focusing on Alex and his wife Beth, whose seemingly perfect life masks a sinister secret. The narrative deftly alternates between the present day and the mid-1990s in Camden, during the height of the Cool Britannia era.
In the summer of 1995, a young man secretly buries a body during a violent storm, with the victim's identity and motive remaining a mystery. Three decades later, a heatwave coincides with plans to convert a disused railway line behind Alex and Beth's home into a nature trail, a project led by Beth. This development threatens to expose Alex's hidden past, as he is revealed to be the one who buried the body.
Themes of Secrecy and Consequences
As construction on the burial site looms, Alex's carefully constructed life begins to unravel, forcing him to confront how far he will go to protect his secret. The series delves into powerful themes such as obsession, betrayal, deception, and the lasting impact of youthful mistakes, all while maintaining Candlish's signature style of shocking twists and emotional depth.
Huw Kennair-Jones, ITV Drama Commissioner, praised the adaptation, saying, "Simon Ashdown has woven a thrilling story from Louise Candlish's novel that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The Only Suspect promises gripping revelations and twists, making it a treat for ITV viewers."
Production Details and Anticipation
Filming for The Only Suspect is set to commence in London this spring, with the four-part series slated for broadcast on ITV and its streaming platform ITVX. Tom Mullens of Red Planet Pictures added, "After the success of Our House, we're thrilled to work with Simon Ashdown and ITV again. Kevin McKidd leads a brilliant cast in this twisting tale of a man escaping his past."
This new thriller marks another ambitious project from ITV, leveraging the proven expertise of the Death in Paradise team to deliver a compelling crime drama that explores the shadows of suburban life and the relentless pursuit of truth.
