ITV’s Gripping New Espionage Thriller ‘Betrayal’ Set to Premiere This February

ITV has officially unveiled Betrayal, a tense four-part drama plunging viewers into the secretive corridors of MI5, where personal loyalties clash with national security. Premiering on Sunday, 8 February 2026, at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, the series promises to deliver high-stakes intrigue, emotional depth, and unrelenting suspense. All episodes will stream first on ITVX ahead of linear broadcast, with episode two following on Monday, 9 February.

At the centre of the story is John Hughes, portrayed by Shaun Evans (known for his acclaimed role in Endeavour). John is a mid-career MI5 officer, a veteran of the post-9/11 era who once thwarted major terrorist threats on British soil. Now, he struggles to adapt to a rapidly changing intelligence landscape—one marked by progressive policies, shifting priorities, and the moral ambiguities of modern espionage. His professional life bleeds into his personal one, straining his long-term relationship with partner Claire Wardly, played by the Olivier Award-winning Romola Garai (The Years, The Hour). Claire grapples with the constant secrecy and emotional distance that John’s job demands, pushing their marriage to the brink of collapse.

The plot ignites when John receives a tip-off from a British-Iranian informant about a criminal gang in Stockport with potential ties to Iranian interests. Before John can relay the critical intelligence, the informant is assassinated in front of him. In a split-second act of self-defence—and perhaps revenge—John kills the gunman. This single, irreversible decision spirals into chaos. John finds himself under intense internal scrutiny from superiors, including the formidable Simone Grant, embodied by Nikki Amuka-Bird (I, Jack Wright, Avenue 5). As the investigation deepens, hidden conspiracies emerge, forcing John to go rogue in a desperate bid to uncover the truth, avert an imminent national threat, and salvage what remains of his career and family life.

Adding layers of complexity is Mehreen Askari-Evans, an intelligence operative assigned to take over John’s duties, portrayed by Zahra Ahmadi (Beyond Paradise, The Bay). Initially a professional rival, she becomes an unlikely ally as the case unravels alliances and exposes long-buried secrets among colleagues and loved ones.

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Betrayal | ITV Studios | Screenings | C21Media

Written by acclaimed playwright and screenwriter David Eldridge and directed by BAFTA and Emmy nominee Julian Jarrold (A Very Royal Scandal), Betrayal explores the fragile line between duty and deception. Produced by Mammoth Screen (in association with ITV Studios), the series draws inspiration from real-world intelligence dilemmas, including MI5’s controversial “third direction” policies that permit agents limited involvement in serious crimes to maintain cover. Executive producers include Eldridge, Evans himself, Jarrold, Tom Leggett, and Damien Timmer, with development overseen by Mammoth’s Creative Director Rebecca Keane.

Filming took place across Manchester and Liverpool, grounding the story in a compelling northern English setting that contrasts the shadowy operations of MI5 with everyday life. The supporting cast features strong performances from Gamba Cole (The Outlaws), Omid Djalili (His Dark Materials), Matthew Tennyson (Grantchester), Hayley Tamaddon (Unforgotten), Anthony Flanagan (House of the Dragon), and others including Paddy Rowan, Waj Ali, and newcomers like Elham Karimpour and Eliza Agrosoaie.

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Red Eye: Season 2 – Official Trailer (ITV)

Shaun Evans brings gravitas to John Hughes, a man haunted by his past successes and current failures. His portrayal captures the exhaustion of a spy who once felt indispensable but now questions his place in a modernising agency. Romola Garai’s Claire is equally compelling—a woman fighting for connection in a relationship defined by omission and danger. Their chemistry underscores the series’ core theme: the personal cost of secrecy. Zahra Ahmadi’s Mehreen injects fresh perspective, while Nikki Amuka-Bird’s Simone represents the unyielding institutional pressure that tests every operative.

theguardian.com

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Critics and previews describe Betrayal as “compelling” and “gripping,” praising its blend of espionage thrills with raw emotional realism. Unlike traditional spy tales focused solely on external enemies, this drama examines betrayal from within—how one choice can fracture trust, shatter families, and endanger a nation.

whattowatch.com

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With its timely exploration of loyalty in an era of evolving threats, Betrayal arrives at a moment when intelligence work feels more relevant—and more human—than ever. Mark your calendars for 8 February: in the world of MI5, secrets don’t stay buried for long.