The Being Human and Poldark star will play Dr. Joseph O’Loughlin in an adaptation of the bestselling Michael Robotham thriller.
itv have announced a pretty stellar cast for their upcoming five-part drama based on The Suspect, which has been adapted by Peter Berry (Gangs of London). Joining Turner are Shaun Parkes, Sian Clifford (Fleabag, Quiz), Camilla Beeput (Doctor Who), Adam James, Anjli Mohindra and Bobby Schofield.
A couple of those names may be familiar from the cast of Vigil and this show shares even more DNA with the recent submarine drama; The Suspect is also directed by James Strong (Doctor Who, Broadchurch) and produced by World Productions (Line of Duty).
Author Michael Robotham is pretty pleased with the headline casting: “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.”
Synopsis
The series introduces Doctor Joe O’Loughlin, played by Aidan Turner, who appears to have the perfect life – a devoted wife, a loving daughter, successful practice as a clinical psychologist, media profile and a publishing deal. He’s even a hero online after rescuing a young patient who was ready to jump from the tenth floor of the hospital where Joe works.
When a young woman is found in a shallow grave in a West London cemetery, veteran police officer DI Vincent Ruiz and his young partner DS Riya Devi are assigned to the investigation. But has the young woman been murdered or is this a case of suicide?
As a successful author, Doctor Joe’s opinion is much sought after and when he meets DS Devi he’s only too willing to offer help with profiling and his expertise.
Now known for his risk-taking and rule-breaking does Joe have more to hide? His recent diagnosis with a debilitating illness could explain his behaviour. But as the investigation into Catherine’s death gathers pace, we start to ask, do we know the real Joe, or does he have a secret life? And has his work as a clinical psychologist allowed him to develop a criminal mindset? Or worse?
“a hidden darker side”
Speaking of his casting, Adian Turner 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 Suspect will film on location in London this autumn. It’s being produced by Natasha Romaniuk with the first three episodes directed by James Strong and the final two by Camilla Strøm Henriksen. The drama is executive produced by Jake Lushington, James Strong and Peter Berry.
You can check out further details, including comments from itv and the production team here.
The other Suspect
As we reported last week, Channel 4 also has a crime thriller filming this autumn. Theirs, simply titled Suspect, boasts arguably an even more starry line-up and is an adaptation of the Danish series Forhøret. The announced cast includes James Nesbitt, Joely Richardson, Anne-Marie Duff, Richard E. Grant, Ben Miller, Niamh Algar, Antonia Thomas, Sacha Dhawan, Sam Heughan and Imogen King.
Whether one will adjust its name or if they will play chicken in the schedules remains to be seen. As ever, CultBox will keep you posted.