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Gemma Arterton leads the cast of ITV’s latest primetime political thriller.
Secret Service explores dangerous tensions between Russia and the UK, with senior politicians caught up in a global fallout that threatens to lead to all-out war.
Here’s all you need to know about the gripping drama and it's globe-trotting filming locations.
What is Secret Service about?
The series is based on the bestselling Secret Service novel by ITV newsreader Tom Bradby and follows senior MI6 officer Kate Henderson (Gemma Arterton), who heads up the Russia desk at the Secret Intelligence Service.
When Kate’s undercover operations reveal alarming evidence about a high-ranking UK politician that could be working as a spy for Russia, she must race to identify the traitor before a major global fallout that threatens another international war.
Who is in the cast of Secret Service?
Gemma Arterton (The King’s Man) leads the cast as MI6 officer Kate Henderson, with Rafe Spall (Under Salt Marsh) as Stuart Henderson, Kate’s husband and chief special advisor to the Home Secretary, a role which sees the married couple keeping secrets from each other about the political crisis.
Avi Nash (Black Mirror) and Aoife Hinds (Dune: Prophecy) play Rav and Julie, who work alongside Kate on the Russia Desk at MI6. The pair are endangered by the mission in both Malta and London.
Doctor Who alum and recent Strictly Come Dancing star Alex Kingston plays Rose Trewen, Head of Security at the Secret Intelligence Service and a mentor figure to Kate.
Mark Stanley (Adolescence) appears as Ryan Walker, the Foreign Secretary whose sights are set on becoming PM.
ITV Political Editor Robert Peston appears as himself, as do Good Morning Britain hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls, alongside ITV newsreader and Secret Service creator Tom Bradby.
Where was Secret Service filmed?
Filming for Secret Service took place across London, Surrey and Malta. Producer Gail Egan spoke to Time Out about the globe-trotting locations.
Malta is at the heart of the conspiracy
The first three episodes of Secret Service are split across London and Malta, with the investigation revolving around the criminal residents of a villa on the Mediterranean island.
‘We had a brilliant Maltese locations team who found the most incredible villa near the coastal cliffs of Dingli with an infinity pool and numerous outbuildings,’ says Egan.
A dramatic chase scenes takes place in the historic streets of Rabat, before Kate meets her undercover agent in the pews of a church located in Senglea.
London’s Old Royal Naval College appeared as the Cabinet Office
Much of the drama in Secret Service takes place in the hallowed halls of several government buildings.
The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich stood in for the Cabinet Office, with Harefield House in Uxbridge being used for internal scenes set at Number 10, Downing Street.
External shots of Number 10 were filmed at John Adam Street, in the heart of Westminster and a stone’s throw from the real location.
Farnborough International Gate stood in for several airport scenes
This location appears throughout the series, serving as both Malta International Airport and RAF Northolt in the UK.
‘We needed an open, airport space, for a couple of scenes in the series and our locations team secured an area at the Farnborough International Gate, a location that holds an annual airshow which made it perfect for scenes to be captured without the noise pollution of real airport traffic!’ says Gail.
The location has previously been used for James Bond adventure Quantum of Solace and Christopher Nolan’s Inception.
Pimlico is where the agents’ safe house is located
Cumberland Street in Pimlico was the location for the safe house where Kate visits an agent.
‘We wanted to find a location for our safe house that wasn't too far from the Russian Embassy in Kensington, and not too far from MI6,’ says Gail. ‘A building that looks like any other house on the street being both unassuming and unremarkable. The perfect place for covert activity.’
Battersea Park in London stood in for Moscow
In the fifth episode, an agent is seen walking through Moscow, but these scenes were actually filmed in the heart of London at Battersea Park.
‘We needed an outdoor space that could pass as a quiet square or park in Moscow,’ says Egan. ‘After looking at a couple of different options, we decided to shoot by the water fountain in Battersea Park.’
The Russian border was filmed at Hurtwood Forest, Surrey
The series’ climactic showdown was filmed at Hurtwood Forest in Guildford. A vast pinewood forest in the Surrey Hills, a location which was also used for Disney’s live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast.
When can I watch Secret Service on ITV?
The five-part series airs on ITV1 at 9pm on Monday, April 27, with the second episode airing at the same time on the following day.
The remaining episodes will air between Sunday, May 3 and Tuesday, May 5 at 9pm on ITV1.
All five episodes are available to stream on ITVX now.
Is there a trailer?
Yes, take a look at the clip below for a taste of the drama.
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