Tom Bradby, the ITV News at Ten presenter, has revealed the inspiration behind his novel Secret Service, which has been adapted into a five-part drama series for ITV. The show stars Gemma Arterton as Kate Henderson, a senior MI6 operative leading the Russia Desk while juggling a seemingly ordinary family life.
Speaking at ITV Showcase 2026, Bradby explained that the story was designed to offer a 'peek behind the curtains' of the intelligence world. He said: 'It actually allowed me to sort of process it and hopefully allow people to ponder some of the issues and the dangers we face.' The idea came to him while walking past the MI6 building.
Bradby added: 'I imagined what if you were the MI6 officer that got this intelligence about a potential Russian asset high up in the British government? What would that really be like? How would your bosses react?' He was fascinated by the challenge of balancing such a role with domestic life.
The series follows Kate as she uncovers evidence of a Russian spy within the British government. Gemma Arterton, who previously played a similar role in James Bond film Quantum of Solace, described the show as 'edge-of-your-seat stuff'. The cast also includes Rafe Spall, Mark Stanley, Alex Kingston and Roger Allum.
Bradby hopes the drama will spark conversation, saying: 'If people are talking about it the next day over their corn flakes, that would make me very, very happy.' He previously noted that the book was inspired by a 'new Cold War' and concerns about democratic societies being undermined.
