Protection - First look at the new ITV crime drama

ITV has unveiled a selection of first-look images for their upcoming six-part drama series Protection, produced by New Pictures (an All3Media company) in association with All3Media International, set to premiere on ITV and STV and available for streaming on ITVX and STV Player this Spring.

Protection is a thriller about what happens when the clandestine and morally grey witness protection system breaks down. This compelling series is created by Kris Mrksa, the acclaimed writer of White House Farm and No Escape. The series stars Siobhan Finneran (Alma’s Not Normal), Nadine Marshall (Sherwood) and Katherine Kelly (Mr Bates vs. The Post Office). With an additional cast, including Barry Ward (Bad Sisters) and Chaneil Kular (Sex Education).

Detective Inspector Liz Nyles (Finneran); a single mum, juggling a difficult divorce and a sick father, finds herself at the heart of a security breach within her witness protection unit. Professionally compromised by a secret affair with a colleague, she is determined to uncover the true source of corruption within the police. Liz will stop at nothing to redeem herself, the reputation of her lover, and to keep her witnesses and her own family safe. Even if it means breaking all the rules.

This is the story of a tough but increasingly isolated and under suspicion police officer as she is pulled into a dangerous conspiracy where nothing is as it seems.

The series is inspired by a real-life witness protection officer who also acted as a series consultant and is produced by the multi-award-winning production company New Pictures (White House Farm). Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Willow Grylls (Des) and Charlie Hampton (The Spanish Princess) serve as executive producers for Protection alongside Elaine Pyke and Kris Mrksa. The series is produced by Rebecca Davies (Cobra) and line-produced by Tracy Chapman (Cobra). ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill, oversees production on behalf of the broadcaster. All3Media International has exclusive worldwide distribution rights for the series.

Protection is directed by Simen Alsvik (Fenris) and Sasha Ransome (McDonald & Dodds). The writers include Kris Mrksa (Episodes 1, 3, and 6), Polly Buckle (Episodes 2 and 4), and Giula Sandler (Episode 5).