ITV has announced the commission of Clean Break, a new “characterful drama” starring Sheridan Smith from the producers of Humans.

Created and written by screenwriting newcomer Mark Marlow, the six part series focuses on an ordinary working class woman, Sam, who is caught between two worlds – the everyday life of a devoted and loving Mum and the darker, dangerous world of insider trading.

ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill commented: “I am delighted to be commissioning Mark Marlow’s first drama. It’s such a wonderful script that finds real humour and joy in the human struggle to survive. Sheridan is perfect for the role of Sam and I’m thrilled she’s returning to ITV to play her.”

Executive producer Jane Featherstone added: “It’s such a pleasure to be making a show for ITV about contemporary Britain with a strong and complicated female lead character. It’s also enormously gratifying that this comes from an exceptional brand new voice, Mark, and a brilliant up and coming director, Lewis Arnold. Expect it to be moving, funny and surprising.”

The official synopsis reads: “Sassy office cleaner Sam (Sheridan Smith) is one of an invisible army of cleaners on a zero hours contract who mop, sweep and vacuum in the early hours. Struggling with an on-line gambling addiction, Sam realises she has access to lucrative Stock Market information which if used correctly could be the answer to all her prayers.

“With her husband threatening to take custody of their two daughters, 14-years-old Alice and 8-years-old Lily, Sam is being backed into a corner and needs to come out fighting.

“Set in the contrasting worlds of shiny Canary Wharf and the realities of modern suburbia, Clean Break explores how far Sam will go to survive, claw back some self-respect and get her life back on track.

“Getting back to black is going to be tough and Sam is about to stake everything on the unpredictable world of the Stock Market.  With her trusted band of cleaners gleaning information while the rest of the world sleeps, and in the knowledge insider trading is against the law will Sam tread this dangerous line? Smart, and witty, can Sam overcome her addictive personality?”

Executive produced by Jane Featherstone (Broadchurch, Humans) and Chris Fry (Humans, The Smoke), Clean Break will begin filming in London this autumn.

Are you looking forward to Clean Break? Let us know below…