Dominic Cooper and Romola Garai set to lead cast of a new six-part romantic drama
ITV has announced Dominic Cooper and Romola Garai are set to lead the cast of a new six-part romantic drama for ITV, created by screenwriter Danny Brocklehurst.
Dominic Cooper and Romola Garai are set to lead the cast of a new six-part romantic drama for ITV, created by screenwriter Danny Brocklehurst.
Dominic, 47, will play Tom in the Adultery series, while Romola, 43, will star as Beth – with the drama following the two strangers after their children, Jess and Ollie, begin a relationship at school.
Jess is played by Leila Khan, who appeared in Heartstopper, while Ollie will be portrayed by newcomer Johnny Sanpher.
The connection between their children soon mirrors the bond between Tom and Beth, who enter into an affair that they attempt to conceal from their partners.
The supporting cast includes Shelley Conn, known for Bridgerton, who plays Tom’s wife Hannah, and Matthew McNulty, star of The Jetty, as Beth’s husband Neil.
ITV described the series, titled Adultery, as a “scandalous” and “provocative love story” that “raises questions about class, grief and the effects of social media, as it takes the viewer on a rollercoaster story of passion, parenthood and peril”.
The broadcaster added: “Tom and Beth embark upon a passionate and intense love affair that threatens to uproot their whole lives. Adultery is naturally authentic and bristling with passion as it focuses upon two ordinary families and messy complications.”
Danny Brocklehurst, who has previously worked with novelist Harlan Coben on adaptations including Missing You and Fool Me Once, said he was delighted with the casting.
He added: “It’s a wonderful privilege to assemble such an amazing cast for Adultery. The characters in our show have complex emotional lives and we needed the very best acting talent to bring them to the screen. I couldn’t be more thrilled.”
The wider cast features Andrew Knott from Gavin and Stacey as Dave, the ex-husband of Beth’s recently deceased best friend, alongside James Murray of The Crown and Charley Webb, who appeared in The Long Shadow, as Tom’s brother and sister-in-law.
Producer Ben Stephenson, welcomed the ensemble by saying: “I am thrilled that we have assembled such a high calibre cast for Danny’s wonderful scripts. Dominic and Romola are two remarkable actors at the peak of their careers and it’s hugely exciting to see what they bring to this juicy gripping and complex show alongside their amazing co-leads Matthew and Shelley.”
The six one-hour episodes will be directed in two blocks by Will Sinclair, known for Vera, who will oversee episodes one to three, and Daniel O’Hara, who directed Stay Close, handling episodes four to six.
Adultery will premiere on ITV1 and ITVX, with a date to be announced, and will also air on STV.
