ITV's 'Adultery' Drama Premieres Tonight

The six-part drama 'Adultery' premieres tonight at 9pm on ITV1 and STV. All six episodes are available to stream from today on ITVX and STV Player, with the next linear broadcast scheduled for Monday at 9pm on ITV1.

Creative Team and Source Material

The series is written by BAFTA-winning Danny Brocklehurst. He is best known for his adaptations of Harlan Coben's works and for writing on shows like 'Brassic' and 'Fool Me Once'. Brocklehurst said: "This is a drama about passion and I've passionately wanted to write it for some time."

The drama explores how decisions made in moments of desire affect partners, children, and extended family. It is based on the premise that an affair between two married parents, Tom and Beth, threatens their families. Their teenage children, Jess and Ollie, also develop a bond of their own. The story raises questions about class, grief, and the pervasive influence of social media on modern relationships.

Cast and Character Dynamics

Dominic Cooper stars as Tom Kirkman, a married man who begins an affair. Romola Garai plays Beth Brookes, the married woman with whom he connects. The series examines the scandalous romantic chemistry between them and how this unexpected connection ripples outwards.

Shelley Conn plays Hannah, Tom's wife, while Matthew McNulty features as Neil, Beth's husband. The supporting cast includes Andrew Knott as Dave, the ex-husband of Beth's recently deceased best friend, and James Murray and Charley Webb as Tom's brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Leah Kirkman. Johnny Sanpher plays 15-year-old Jess Kirkman, and Leila Khan plays Ollie Brookes.

Critical and Industry Reception

ITV describes the series as 'scandalous' and 'provocative'. Polly Hill, Director of Drama at ITV, praised the scripts and called it an addictive love story. The network positions the show as a gripping, rollercoaster story of passion, parenthood, and peril, designed as a compelling addition to its Sunday-night schedule.

The drama is noted for its emotionally charged storytelling and the tension derived from fractured family loyalties. It offers no easy answers, with every decision carrying a significant cost. Produced by Poison Pen Studios, part of ITV Studios, filming took place in and around Manchester. The first episode airs tonight at 9pm on ITV1 and STV, with streaming available immediately on ITVX and STV Player.