CODE OF SILENCE: FIRST LOOK AND LAUNCH DATE CONFIRMED FOR NEW ITV CRIME THRILLER STARRING ROSE AYLING-ELLIS

ITV has released a selection of first-look images of Code of Silence, a gripping new six-part crime thriller starring Rose Ayling-Ellis (Ludwig, Signs for Change), in a groundbreaking lead role. The network has also announced that the series will premiere on ITV1, STV, ITVX, and STV Player on Sunday May 18.

Created by Catherine Moulton (Baptiste, Hijack), who drew on her own experiences with lip-reading and hearing loss, Code of Silence offers a fresh and distinctive perspective on the intersection of crime and communication delivering a gripping and emotional narrative that brings important representation for the Deaf community, together with the support of a diverse cast and crew from the deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse communities.

Joining Rose is an impressive ensemble cast, including Kieron Moore (Vampire Academy, Masters of the Air, The Corps), Charlotte Ritchie (You, Ghosts), and Andrew Buchan (Broadchurch, Black Doves, The Honourable Woman).

At the heart of the series is Alison Brooks (Rose Ayling-Ellis), a smart and determined Deaf woman. Having spent years working in a police canteen and secretly observing conversations, her life takes an unexpected turn when her exceptional lip-reading skills catch the attention of DS Ashleigh Francis (Charlotte Ritchie) and DI James Marsh (Andrew Buchan).

Recruited for a covert operation, Alison is tasked with surveilling a dangerous gang as they plot a high-stakes heist, thrusting her into a world of crime, deception, and risk like never before.

As she deciphers their secret exchanges, Alison becomes an invaluable asset to the case, but the deeper she gets, the more perilous her role becomes. When she crosses paths with Liam Barlow (Kieron Moore), the gang’s newest recruit, an unexpected and dangerous bond forms between them, one that threatens to expose her true identity while pulling her further into the criminal world.

Juggling the pressures of undercover work, family struggles, and the fallout of a long-term relationship, Alison must navigate a world of deception and danger, testing her resilience and ultimately reshaping her life forever.

Produced by Joseph Shrubb (Endeavour, McDonald & Dodds), the cast also includes Nathan Armarkwei Laryea (The Witcher), Joe Absolom (Doc Martin, A Confession), Beth Goddard (The Serpent Queen, Manhunt), Andrew Scarborough (Emmerdale, Wolfblood), presenter Rolf Choutan, who is making his acting debut, Fifi Garfield (Coffee Morning Club, Deaf Funny) and a cameo appearance by actor, comedian and presenter John Bishop. 

The series is brought to life by lead director Diarmuid Goggins (Kin, Black Cab, Witness No. 3), who directs episodes 1-3. Chanya Button (Doctor Who, World on Fire, Vita & Virginia) directs the latter half of the series, with writers Will Truefitt and Benji Walters penning episodes three and four.

Code of Silence is executive produced by Bryony Arnold and Damien Timmer for Mammoth Screen, alongside Robert Schildhouse and Stephen Nye for BritBox, as well as Rose Ayling-Ellis and Catherine Moulton. ITV’s Director of Drama, Polly Hill, oversees the production for the network.