SPY SAGA
The U.K.’s ITV and Mammoth Screen have commenced production on “Betrayal,” a four-part espionage thriller exploring the psychological toll of modern intelligence work. BAFTA and Emmy-nominated director Julian Jarrold (“A Very Royal Scandal,” “This England”) helms the project, currently filming in Manchester and Liverpool.
Shaun Evans (“Endeavour,” “Vigil”) stars as John Hughes, an MI5 operative struggling with contemporary intelligence demands while his personal life crumbles. Olivier Award winner Romola Garai plays his partner Claire, a GP whose trust erodes under the strain of his secretive profession.
The ensemble includes Zahra Ahmadi, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Gamba Cole, and Omid Djalili, alongside television newcomers. Award-winning playwright David Eldridge penned the series. Eldridge has upcoming adaptations including John le Carré’s “The Spy Who Came in From the Cold” at Soho Place.
Produced by Irma Inniss (“Mr Loverman”), the drama follows Hughes’ investigation of a British-Iranian informant that turns deadly, triggering scrutiny from superiors. Executive producers include Mammoth’s Damien Timmer and Shaun Evans himself. “Betrayal” premieres on ITV1 and ITVX in 2026, with ITV Studios handling international distribution.
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Meanwhile, ITV Studios and Sri Lanka’s Sirasa TV have strengthened their partnership with renewed “Voice” franchise deals and the first-ever Asian commission of physical game show “Catchpoint.” Sirasa TV will produce third and fourth seasons of “The Voice Sri Lanka” and “The Voice Teens” respectively, airing this year. The format has become a cultural phenomenon since 2019, consistently delivering strong ratings.
“Sirasa Catchpoint” launches mid-July 2025, marking the show’s Asian debut. The U.K. version attracted 3 million viewers and 20.2% share on BBC One. The format combines quiz questions with physical action as contestants position themselves to catch falling balls for cash prizes. “The expansion of our partnership with Sirasa TV is a testament to the strength and versatility of our formats,” said Augustus Dulgaro, executive VP Asia Pacific at ITV Studios.
REALITY REVIVAL
Disney+ has commissioned a trio of U.K. unscripted series including a contemporary reimagining of dating format “Blind Date.” The 10×45′ series, executive produced by Matthew Worthy and Kieran Doherty for Stellify Media and Graham Stuart for SO TV, features contestants choosing from hidden suitors behind the legendary wall with new format twists.
The slate includes “The Rooneys” (10×40′), following Coleen and Wayne Rooney‘s family life as she pursues entrepreneurial ventures while he handles school runs. Lorton Entertainment and Blast Films produce the observational series.
“Jamie and Sophie: Raising Chelsea” tracks “Made in Chelsea” alumni Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo navigating impending parenthood. Dorothy St Pictures produces in association with Jampot Productions. Sean Doyle, Executive Director Unscripted, commissioned all three series focusing on “female-skewed factual” programming.
STAGE SWEETHEARTS
The new London West End stage musical “50 First Dates” has announced its full cast for The Other Palace run from Sept. 14-Nov. 16. Georgina Castle (“Mean Girls”) stars as Lucy Whitmore, an artist with short-term memory loss, opposite Josh St. Clair (“Ghost”) as commitment-phobe Henry Roth in roles originated by Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler in the 2004 film.
The ensemble includes Georgia Arron (“Mean Girls”) as Sharon, John Marquez (“The Birthday Party”) as Marlin Whitmore, and Ricky Rojas (“Moulin Rouge!”) as Marco, among others. Multi-Tony winner Casey Nicholaw (“Mean Girls,” “The Book of Mormon”) directs the adaptation by David Rossmer and Steve Rosen (“The Other Josh Cohen”), featuring original songs exploring love and second chances. ATG Productions, Bad Robot Live, and Gavin Kalin Productions produce the romantic comedy about a man falling for a woman who forgets him nightly.
CHAT CHAMPIONS
Screen Players Film Club launches today on major podcast platforms, bringing film industry creatives into intimate conversation about beloved movies. Created by The Script Factory in partnership with Soho Square Studios and Olympic Studios, the PODSSS production features host Charlotte Bogard Macleod interviewing acclaimed talents like Sam Taylor-Johnson and Simon Beaufoy.
Most episodes record live at The Cinema in Selfridges before movie-loving audiences. Season One’s five episodes explore behind-the-scenes stories from “Nowhere Boy,” “Slumdog Millionaire,” “Conclave,” “Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love,” and “Drive.” Bastille’s Dan Smith composed the jingle and appears in episode four discussing his documentary-inspired tribute single “Leonard and Marianne.” The weekly series aims to offer insights into filmmaking processes from initial concept to screen realization.
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