The story follows Johnny Worricker (Nighy), a long-serving M15 officer. When his boss and best friend, Benedict Baron (Gambon), suddenly dies, he leaves behind an inexplicable file which threatens the stability of the organisation. Meanwhile, a seemingly chance encounter with Johnny’s striking next-door neighbour and political activist, Nancy Pierpan (Weisz), seems too good to be true. To find out the truth, Johnny is forced to walk out of his job and then out of his identity.

Filming will commence this month on the one-off drama, which will also be directed by Oscar nominee Hare (The Reader). Other cast members include Ewen Bremner (Trainspotting), Felicity Jones (Brideshead Revisited), Tom Hughes (Cemetery Junction), Alice Krige (Star Trek: First Contact) and Saskia Reeves (Butterfly Kiss).

David Hare says: “The last decade has been as testing as any in the history of the British intelligence community – the compromises and dilemmas they’ve faced in the new century make a fascinating story. I’m thrilled to be working with such an extraordinary ensemble of great actors.”