Tom Bradby, the ITV News presenter, has opened up about the inspiration behind his novel Secret Service, which has been adapted into a gripping five-part drama series for ITV. The show stars Gemma Arterton as Kate Henderson, a senior MI6 operative whose life takes a dramatic turn when she is thrust into the spotlight.
The Story Behind the Story
Speaking at ITV Showcase 2026, Bradby explained that the idea for the book came to him while walking past the MI6 building in London. He imagined what it would be like to be an intelligence officer who uncovers evidence of a Russian asset high up in the British government. 'What would that really be like? How would your bosses react?' he asked himself. 'I was fascinated by the idea of how that would play out for someone juggling her domestic life and everything else.'
Bradby described the series as 'a bit of a peek behind the curtains' and a way for him to make sense of the chaotic events happening in the world. 'It allowed me to process it and hopefully allow people to ponder some of the issues and dangers we face,' he said.
A Blend of Entertainment and Substance
The author emphasized that the primary goal was to tell 'a really fantastic story that was gripping and emotional, and fundamentally, fabulous mainstream entertainment.' However, he also hopes the series sparks conversations about important issues. 'If people are talking about it the next day over their cornflakes, that would make me very, very happy,' he added.
Bradby previously cited the new Cold War as a key inspiration for the original book. 'It was clear to me that democratic societies were being undermined,' he said. 'There was the question about whether Western politicians were being bribed, blackmailed, or corrupted.'
Gemma Arterton's Role
This is not Arterton's first foray into the spy genre; she previously played intelligence operative Strawberry Fields in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace. In Secret Service, her character Kate Henderson leads the Russia Desk at the Secret Intelligence Service. On the surface, she appears to be an ordinary civil servant, married with two teenage children.
Arterton described the series as 'edge-of-your-seat stuff.' She explained: 'She trains spies and finds out some very important information: that there is a Russian spy within the British government. Her mission is to find out, by hook or by crook, who that is.'
The Cast
Alongside Arterton, the series features a stellar cast including Rafe Spall, Mark Stanley, Alex Kingston, and Roger Allam. The five-part drama is now available to stream on ITVX.
Bradby, best known for presenting the News at Ten, has previously interviewed high-profile figures such as Prince Harry ahead of the release of his memoir Spare. With Secret Service, he brings his journalistic insight to the world of espionage, creating a story that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
