Keeley Hawes and Matthew Macfadyen’s ‘Stonehouse’ drama confirms start date

We’ve got our first look at Matthew Macfadyen and Keeley Hawes in their new TV show!

The couple, who’ve been married since 2004, first starred together in BBC spy drama Spooks (titled MI-5 in the States) in the early 2000s.

Since then, the two British stars have appeared in many of our favourite series and movies.

Macfadyen has been in Ripper Street, Succession, and 2005’s Pride & Prejudice, while Hawes is best known for her roles in The Durrells, Bodyguard, and It’s a Sin.

Now they’re reuniting on screen in Stonehouse, a new real-life ’70s drama for ITV and BritBox from the makers of Mrs Wilson and The Dig.

Written by A Very English Scandal author John Preston and inspired by the extraordinary true story, the three-part mini-series dramatises the life and times of disgraced politician John Stonehouse.

Stonehouse tells the story of how Stonehouse, a high-flying member of Harold Wilson’s Government, disappeared from the beach of a luxury hotel in Florida in November 1974, leaving behind only a neatly folded stack of clothes as he swam off into the sea, intending to fake his own death.

John Stonehouse is played by Matthew Macfadyen, with Keeley Hawes playing Stonehouse’s wife, Barbara.

Director Jon S. Baird (Stan & Ollie) commented: “I’m always drawn to fascinating true stories and this one is extra special because it has both comedic and emotional potential. Matthew is perfect casting for this role.”

When’s the release date?

It’s now been confirmed that Stonehouse will premiere at 9pm on Monday 2nd January 2023 on ITV1.

All three episodes of Stonehouse will then be available to watch on demand on ITVX.

ITV’s new streaming service launched this week, premiering Damian Lewis’ Cold War drama A Spy Among Friends, and period drama The Confessions of Frannie Langton.

The second episode of Stonehouse will air on ITV1 at 9pm on Tuesday 3rd January, with the Episode 3’s finale airing at 9pm on Wednesday 4th January.

Watch the trailer here:

Alongside Macfadyen and Hawes, the cast also includes Emer Heatley (Showtrial) as Stonehouse’s mistress Sheila Buckley, Kevin R McNally (The Crown) as Harold Wilson, and Dorothy Atkinson (All Creatures Great and Small) as Betty Boothroyd.

A documentary about the real John Stonehouse will air on ITV1 following the final episode.

Stonehouse will be on BritBox in the US and internationally, but we don’t have a premiere date just yet.

Spooks is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.