Endeavour Star Shaun Evans Explains Liverpool Accent Choice in New ITV Drama
Shaun Evans, renowned for his portrayal of Detective Inspector Endeavour Morse in the beloved ITV series, has opened up about his decision to retain his natural Liverpool accent for his latest role in the new ITV drama Betrayal. The Merseyside-born actor, who previously starred alongside Roger Allam and Anton Lesser, is taking on the lead role of John Hughes, a seasoned MI5 operative navigating complex personal and professional challenges.
From Endeavour to Espionage: A New Challenge
Evans, who recently played real-life killer John Sweeney with his Scouse tones in the thriller Until I Kill You, has now embraced his native accent for Betrayal. In this gripping series, his character John Hughes is a mid-40s MI5 officer who entered the service during the war on terror and previously led efforts to thwart major terrorist conspiracies. Now, he faces a transformed intelligence landscape while balancing family life with a wife and two children.
The Plot Thickens: A High-Stakes Narrative
According to ITV, the drama unfolds when John Hughes meets Ehsan, a British Iranian man with Manchester gangland links who claims to have intelligence about a plot on UK soil. Before Ehsan can share details, he is executed by a lone gunman, prompting John to impulsively kill the assassin in retaliation. This action triggers a chain of events that puts him at odds with his superiors, who believe he has entangled himself in a Manchester gang turf war.
- John suspects there is more to the situation and begins investigating Ehsan's past.
- He must redeem himself to save his career and reputation, all while grappling with mental health struggles after taking a life.
- His marriage and professional duties are further tested by Mehreen, an intelligence operative who takes over his responsibilities on the Iran desk.
- Their electric connection forces John to confront temptations, his love for family, and his loyalty to MI5, as he races to uncover a security threat before it's too late.
Challenging Stereotypes: The Accent Decision
In an interview with Radio Times, Evans explained his choice to keep his Liverpool accent, highlighting a desire to challenge class perceptions in espionage dramas. He stated, "We expect MI5 officers to be from Oxbridge, but it's no longer the case." Reflecting on his career, Evans added that early on, he sought roles far removed from himself to transform into different characters, but using his own accent now requires more effort to make the creative leap.
Excitement and Collaboration Behind the Scenes
Evans expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, "I'm delighted to be returning to ITV with this exceptionally well written and timely project. It's a great privilege to reunite with David Eldridge and bring to life his insightful take on the world of espionage." He also praised the collaboration with Mammoth Screen, noting it as a joy to work with their first-rate team again.
Damien Timmer, Chief Creative Officer, commented on the series, describing John Hughes as a likable but flawed man struggling to find his place in the modern world, with stakes heightened by his role in national security. Timmer expressed hope that ITV audiences will connect deeply with the character.
Betrayal is set to air on Sunday, 8 February at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, offering viewers a tense and timely exploration of espionage, loyalty, and personal demons.
