Aidan Turner joins new TV thriller from ‘The Bletchley Circle’ producer
ITV has ordered a new psychological thriller starring Aidan Turner.
The Suspect comes from the director of recent BBC hit Vigil, and the executive producer of The Bletchley Circle.
Based on the best selling novel by Michael Robotham, the story has been adapted by Prime Suspect writer Peter Berry.
Poldark star Aidan Turner will play Dr. Joseph O’Loughlin in the five-part mini-series.
The 38-year-old Irish actor commented: “I am thrilled to be taking on the complex and demanding role of Joseph O’Loughlin, a man with so much to give but so much to lose, and a hidden darker side.”
He’ll be joined in The Suspect by Sian Clifford (Quiz), Shaun Parkes (Small Axe), Camilla Beeput (Save Me Too), Adam James (Doctor Foster), Anjli Mohindra (Bodyguard), and Bobby Schofield (Time).
Author Michael Robotham is “thrilled” with the casting news, saying: “Aidan Turner is an inspired choice to play the lead character of Joe O’Loughlin. I could not be in safer hands.”
Screenwriter Peter Berry added: “Bringing The Suspect to the screen has been a fantastic and fascinating journey. I hope the audience will find it equally enthralling as they delve the depths of a truly iconic character caught up in a story that will test his faith in his profession, his family and himself.”
The Suspect is set to begin filming on location in London this autumn.
Director James Strong has described the show as “a high-octane psychological thriller – full of brilliant twists and turns, but also a fascinating insight into the mind of a top psychologist.”
The official synopsis reads: “The series introduces Doctor Joe O’Loughlin, played by Aidan Turner, who appears to have the perfect life – a devoted wife, a loving daughter, successful practice as a clinical psychologist, media profile and a publishing deal. He’s even a hero online after rescuing a young patient who was ready to jump from the tenth floor of the hospital where Joe works.
“When a young woman is found in a shallow grave in a West London cemetery, veteran police officer DI Vincent Ruiz and his young partner DS Riya Devi are assigned to the investigation. But has the young woman been murdered or is this a case of suicide?
“As a successful author, Doctor Joe’s opinion is much sought after and when he meets DS Devi he’s only too willing to offer help with profiling and his expertise.
“Now known for his risk-taking and rule-breaking does Joe have more to hide? His recent diagnosis with a debilitating illness could explain his behaviour. But as the investigation into Catherine’s death gathers pace, we start to ask, do we know the real Joe, or does he have a secret life? And has his work as a clinical psychologist allowed him to develop a criminal mindset? Or worse?”
The Suspect will premiere in the UK next year on ITV.
It was recently revealed if Aidan Turner’s new historical drama series about Leonardo da Vinci would be returning for a second season.
Poldark is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.