ITV’s Director of Drama, Polly Hill, has commissioned the relationship drama, "Adultery", written by acclaimed screenwriter, Danny Brocklehurst, and produced by Ben Stephenson’s transatlantic indie, Poison Pen Studios. The title focuses upon two ordinary families and messy complications. "Adultery" will air on ITV1 and STV and be available for streaming on ITVX and STV Player and is produced in association with ITV Studios, who will also distribute the series internationally.
The six-part series is the creation of Bafta winner Danny Brocklehurst, who adapted global hit thriller "Fool Me Once", co-created "Brassic", and has also written an array of television dramas including "Ten Pound Poms", "No Return", "Stay Close", and "The Driver".
"Adultery" will be executive produced by Ben Stephenson, a former BBC Head of Drama responsible for commissioning "Line of Duty", "The Hollow Crown", "Parade's End", "Call The Midwife", "Last Tango In Halifax", "Luther", "Ripper Street", "Sherlock", and "The Syndicate", amongst other drama titles during his tenure at the broadcaster. Preethi Mavahalli and Luke Woellhaf will also Executive Produce for Poison Pen alongside Danny Brocklehurst.
The title introduces us to Tom’s 15-year-old daughter Jess, who has found love with schoolmate Ollie, and they can’t take their hands off one another, as love’s young dream becomes all-consuming. When Tom meets Ollie’s Mum Beth in the most unexpected of circumstances, the two families’ lives are potentially turned upside down forever. Will Tom and Beth be able to control their desires unlike their lovestruck teenagers?
"Adultery" raises questions about class, grief, and the effects of social media, as it takes the viewer on a rollercoaster story of passion, parenthood, and peril, as our protagonists Tom and Beth embark upon a passionate and intense love affair that threatens to uproot their whole lives.
Danny Brocklehurst described what the drama is about: “This is a drama about passion and I’ve passionately wanted to write it for some time. I’m thrilled to be partnering with ITV and Poison Pen to bring audiences a show about how love and sex have the capacity to lift us to the highest highs and the lowest lows;" stated.
Meanwhile, Polly Hill praised the creator: “Danny’s brilliant scripts will have an audience hooked into this adulterous story from the start. At its heart though, it’s about love, and I’m excited to have an addictive love story on ITV, and to be working with Danny, Ben, and the team at Poison Pen Studios;" commented.
FInally, Ben Stephenson expressed being happy about the work team that was formed: “I am so happy to be able to announce this as our first commission for Poison Pen. Danny and Polly share our passion for popular, smart drama— is there anyone more in tune with the audience than these two? We are delighted to be collaborating together on this!", added.
Poison Pen Studios was founded by Ben Stephenson and launched in January 2023 with a focus on producing high-end premium drama. Poison Pen Studios is part of ITV Studios with production bases in London and Los Angeles. "Adultery" will begin filming in Manchester during 2025, with details of casting and key production personnel announced closer to production commencing.