The six-part, ITV drama explores the fallout of a passionate relationship

Danny Brocklehurst’s latest drama, Adultery, begins a Manchester shoot today, 15 September.

The ITV drama is produced by Ben Stephenson’s Poison Pen Studios and was commissioned by ITV’s director of drama, Polly Hill.

Exploring themes of class, grief and the effects of social media, the six-part drama follows the all-consuming relationship between teenagers Jess and Ollie. However, when Jess’ father Tom and Ollie’s mother Beth meet, it is their subsequent affair that threatens to turn both families’ lives upside down.

Adultery is executive produced by Stephenson, Preethi Mavahalli and Luke Woellhaf for Poison Pen, alongside Brocklehurst, who said at the time of the commissioning news: “This is a drama about passion and I’ve passionately wanted to write it for some time. I’m thrilled to be partnering with ITV and Poison Pen to bring audiences a show about how love and sex have the capacity to lift us to the highest highs and the lowest lows.”

Stephenson added: “I am so happy to be able announce this as our first commission for Poison Pen. Danny and Polly share our passion for popular, smart drama – is there anyone more in tune with the audience than these two? We are delighted to be collaborating together on this!

Poison Pen Studios was founded by Ben Stephenson and launched in January 2023 with the focus on producing high-end drama. The indie is currently also in production in Glasgow on ITV crime thriller The Dark, starring Laura Donnelly, Mark Rowley, Emun Elliott and Helen Baxendale.

Poison Pen Studios is part of ITV Studios with bases in London and Los Angeles.

Brocklehurst’s many writing credits include the adaptation of Fool Me Once; Brassic (as co-creator), which recently completed filming on the seventh and final series, and dramas including Ten Pound Poms, No Return, Stay Close, and The Driver.