ITV crime drama that 'will keep viewers gripped' from Death in Paradise boss confirms cast

Code Zero, the upcoming ITV crime drama from Return to Paradise co-creator James Hall, has gotten an exciting casting update. Billed as an "edge-of-your-seat police thriller", this could be a big hit.

The series takes place in the aftermath of a bank heist, with a 'code zero' - the most urgent call a police officer can make - being called in. The action focuses on Laura Collier, a "pragmatic" and "no-nonsense" police sergeant with a sense of humour.

She is given a new recruit in the form of fresh-faced Cal Walters, and they get a baptism of fire as a "meticulously crafted" bank heist occurs on their first day. They are part of a "cat-and-mouse" investigation, one which could have huge ramifications for Laura.

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The lead roles of Laura and Cal roles will be assumed by Adolescence star Faye Marsay and Sekou Diaby, with supporting cast members including Sion Daniel Young, Brendan Coyle, Rachel Shenton, Aneurin Barnard, Anthony Welsh and Steven Cree.

Hall, who also served as an executive producer on Death in Paradise, is penning the scripts for the series, while Ashley Way is the director. Filming is taking place in Cardiff and South Wales, though there is no release date.

"It's been such a delight developing this show with the brilliant team at Two Brothers Pictures," said Hall. "With their expertise and experience making so many fantastic and gripping TV thrillers, I can't think of a better company to be working with on it.

"I've always had a real passion for the crime thriller genre, and it's been a joy getting to write the kind of action packed, rollercoaster ride of a show I've always dreamed of making. I can't wait for us to share it with the ITV audience."

Polly Hill, Director of Drama at ITV, called Hall "hugely talented", before adding: "This is a story that unfolds at breathtaking pace, as a police drama, and a robbery that doesn't quite go to plan.

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"As a young officer on the first day of the job fears for his life and presses his code zero button, it's a race to find him and the money that is stolen in a way that is both thrilling and surprising right to the end, and which will keep viewers gripped."

"Combining a high-stakes heist with a deeply personal investigation, Code Zero is a thrilling, character-driven drama that will keep audiences guessing," said Two Brothers Pictures, who described it as "distinctive and suspenseful".

Code Zero will air and stream on ITV.

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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media.  His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.