Aidan Turner to star in new ITV drama The Suspect

4 October 2021

ITV have commissioned a new drama called 'The Suspect' starring 'Poldark' actor Aidan Turner.

Aidan Turner

The drama - which is based on the best-selling debut novel of Michael Robotham - tells the story of Doctor Joe O’Loughlin who becomes embroiled in the case of a young woman who is found dead in a shallow grave.

Aidan said: "I am thrilled to be taking on the complex and demanding role of Joseph O’Loughlin, a man with so much to give but so much to lose, and a hidden darker side."

The five-part drama has been adapted for the screen by renowned TV screenwriter Peter Berry, who also wrote hits such as 'The Last Enemy' and 'Prime Suspect 6'.

He said: "Bringing 'The Suspect' to the screen has been a fantastic and fascinating journey. I hope the audience will find it equally enthralling as they delve the depths of a truly iconic character caught up in a story that will test his faith in his profession, his family and himself.”

Author Michael Robotham also gave the series his blessing, and is confident that his work is "in safe hands".

He said: "I’m thrilled that 'The Suspect' is being adapted by World Productions which has such an amazing track record of creating quality TV drama. And Aidan Turner is an inspired choice to play the lead character of Joe O’Loughlin. I could not be in safer hands."

It will be made by World Productions, the team responsible for 'Karen Pirie' for ITV, an adaptation of Val McDermid’s best-selling novel 'The Distant Echo', starring Lauren Lyle in the titular role.

The team also brought 'The Pembrokeshire Murders' to the screen which starred Luke Evans, Keith Allen and Alexandria Riley.

'The Suspect' has been commissioned for ITV by Head of Drama Polly Hill and Drama Commissioner Huw Kennair-Jones.

Huw Kennair-Jones said: "Peter has combined an exciting narrative full of twists and turns with the exploration of a richly compelling character in Joe O'Loughlin and has brought Michael Robotham's much loved book brilliantly to life. We're thrilled to have Aidan Turner to play Joe and to be working with World Productions on what promises to be a gripping new series."