New thrilling drama series for BBC Two

BBC Two has commissioned a new five-part espionage drama, London Spy, created by acclaimed ‘Child 44’ author Tom Rob Smith.

Produced by Working Title Television the gripping, contemporary, emotional thriller sees an innocent, young romantic drawn into a dangerous world of espionage.

Of his first television drama, creator and writer Tom Rob Smith says: “It’s very exciting to have one of the best production companies in the country, Working Title, produce my first contemporary spy thriller series for BBC Two, unarguably the most prestigious home for drama in the UK.”

In the centre of London is a street with the headquarters of the Secret Intelligence Service on one side and the headquarters of gay clubbing on the other. London Spy is the story of a chance romance between two people from opposite sides of that street.

Danny – gregarious, hedonistic, romantic and adrift, falls for the anti-social enigmatic and brilliant Alex. Just as the two of them realise that they’re perfect for each other, Alex disappears.

Danny, utterly ill-equipped to take on the complex and codified world of British espionage, must decide whether he’s prepared to fight for the truth.

Polly Hill, BBC Head of Independent Drama, adds: “I’ve been a huge fan of Tom’s and am delighted to be working with him, and to see his unique storytelling brought to BBC Two. This is a beautifully written love story, caught up in a spy thriller – a wonderfully complex and surprising story, of one man’s search for the truth. It promises to be a treat for the BBC Two audience, continuing the channels commitment to original authored drama.”

Juliette Howell, Head of Television at Working Title Television, says: “As a huge fan of Tom’s novels, I am thrilled to be working with him on this original series for television which dazzles both in conception and execution. We’re delighted also to be making this with the BBC who, from the outset, have shared our passion for the project.”

It is produced by Tom Rob Smith. The executive producers are Juliette Howell, Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner for Working Title Television, and Head of Independent Drama Commissioning, Polly Hill, for BBC Two.

Tom Rob Smith’s award-winning Child 44 trilogy is currently being adapted for film, produced by Ridley Scott.

London Spy will shoot this year and transmit on BBC Two in 2015.