CODE OF SILENCE: CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR NEW ITV DRAMA AS FILMING COMMENCES

ITV, Mammoth Screen and BritBox has announced that filming is officially underway for Code of Silence, a unique and thrilling six-part crime drama written by Catherine Moulton (Baptiste, Then You Run, Hijack), who drew on her own experiences with lip-reading and hearing loss to create this compelling six-part series.

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.

Lead director Diarmuid Goggins (Kin, Black Cab, Witness No. 3) brings Code of Silence to life, with Rose Ayling-Ellis in a ground-breaking lead role, supported by an exciting cast.

Joining Rose Ayling-Ellis are Kieron Moore (Vampire Academy, Masters of the Air, The Corps) who plays suspect Liam Bayne, Charlotte Ritchie (Ghosts, You) as DS Ashleigh Francis, and Andrew Buchan (Broadchurch, The Honourable Woman) as DI James Marsh.

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, and Fifi Garfield (Coffee Morning Club, Deaf Funny).

Code of Silence is told through the point of view of Alison Brooks (Rose Ayling-Ellis), a Deaf canteen worker. Alison is struggling to make ends meet, juggling two jobs, one in a police canteen and another in a local bar, while also doing her best to support her Deaf mum, Julie (Fifi Garfield).

It’s not long before Alison is pulled into a high-stakes police investigation when DS Ashleigh Francis (Charlotte Ritchie) asks that she use her lip-reading skills to monitor a dangerous criminal gang. As her interpretation of their covert conversations becomes central to the investigation, Alison is plunged into an exhilarating new world.

Her role quickly becomes key to unlocking the police case, but her feelings become complicated when she finds herself drawn to one of the suspects, Liam Bayne (Kieron Moore). Despite knowing the risks and the growing threat to her personal life, Alison can’t let go.

ITV's Head Of Drama, Polly Hill said: “In a world where there’s a lot of crime drama Code of Silence really stands out. It’s a brilliantly original story and a great role for Rose Ayling-Ellis. Catherine Moulton has written a thrilling drama that audiences will be gripped and surprised by, but she also puts you in the shoes of Alison, a young Deaf woman...  

"I am incredibly proud to make this show with Rose, Catherine and Mammoth Screen. It’s a mainstream crime show, but one that can make a real difference to the audience’s understanding of the Deaf community.” 

Rose Ayling-Ellis added:  “I am so thrilled to be coming on board for Code of Silence and to get to work with the incredible team at Mammoth Screen. When I first read Catherine Moulton’s script it was obvious that her first-hand experiences and understanding has enabled her to write a truly authentic character and I knew I had to be a part of this project. I am so delighted ITV are as excited as we are to bring this to life and I can’t wait to get to started!”

Code of Silence will premiere on ITV1 and be available for streaming on ITVX.