Following the cancellation of his popular ITV detective series, actor Jason Watkins has swiftly secured a leading role in a major new Channel 4 factual drama that tackles one of Britain's most pressing environmental scandals.
From ITV Detective to Environmental Crusader
Jason Watkins portrayed the beloved DS Dodds in ITV's McDonald and Dodds alongside Tala Gouveia's DCI Lauren McDonald. The show was unexpectedly axed after its fourth series in early 2026, with an ITV spokesperson confirming that viewing figures had failed to hit the targets required for renewal.
Now, the BAFTA-winning actor is set to star in Channel 4's hard-hitting new drama, Dirty Business. The series is based on a real decade-long investigation into England's water companies, telling the stories of whistleblowers and victims who believe their health and lives have been damaged by exposure to sewage-contaminated waterways.
The Plot and Cast of Dirty Business
The drama follows two unlikely investigators in a picturesque Oxfordshire hamlet who notice the fish in their local river are dying. Their simple query to the water company triggers a bizarre and evasive response, sparking an investigation that remains ongoing.
David Thewlis plays Ash, a concerned former police detective who first observes the increasing pollution. He teams up with his neighbour, Peter (Jason Watkins), a Professor of Computational Biology. Peter uses scientific methods and investigative rigour to uncover that their local sewage treatment works is malfunctioning, routinely discharging raw, untreated effluent into the environment.
The impressive ensemble cast also includes Asim Chaudhry as Mickey, a plant employee turned whistleblower who provides crucial inside information. The series is further bolstered by Posy Sterling, Tom McKay, Vicky Pepperdine, Craig Parkinson, Charlotte Ritchie, Chanel Cresswell, Lucia Keskin, and Alex Jennings. Jon Culshaw, fresh from an appearance in Midsomer Murders, will also feature in a guest role.
Cast Speak Out on the Drama's Urgent Message
Discussing his motivation for joining the project, Jason Watkins highlighted the human story at its core. "I wanted to be part of this series because of how human and grounded the story is - it's told through ordinary people who refuse to look away when something isn't right," he said. "Shining a light on the real human cost of environmental damage and corporate neglect felt both urgent and important to be part of."
David Thewlis echoed this sentiment, expressing shock at the scale of the negligence uncovered. "What shocked me was just how much has been allowed to go unchecked - two ordinary men uncovering negligence, illegal pollution, and corporate indifference that should never have been tolerated," Thewlis commented. He described the series as a chance to channel widespread public "anger and frustration" about the state of UK rivers.
Asim Chaudhry explained he was drawn to the courage required to speak truth to power. "There's anger, frustration, and a deep sense of responsibility in the character, and I wanted to bring to life the human side of standing up for what's right, even if there's a risk it might come at a personal cost," he stated.
Dirty Business promises to be a compelling and timely drama, transforming the real-life fight for environmental accountability into must-see television for a UK audience increasingly concerned about pollution and corporate governance.
