The new ITV series Betrayal is now on screens, bringing a tense story of spies and personal secrets. The four-part drama started on Sunday, February 8, 2026, on ITV1 and the ITVX streaming service. It focuses on an MI5 officer whose work and home life both start to fall apart at the same time. Leading a strong cast is Shaun Evans, who many know from the detective series Endeavour. He is joined by Romola Garai, Zahra Ahmadi, and other familiar faces from British television and film.
What Is The ITV Drama Betrayal About?
The show follows John Hughes, a veteran MI5 officer played by Shaun Evans. His life takes a dangerous turn during a secret meeting. John meets a British-Iranian informant who has information about a possible terror plot in the UK. Before the man can share what he knows, he is killed. John then kills the assassin in self-defence. This action does not end the problem. Instead, it starts a major internal investigation against John by MI5 itself.
While fighting to prove his innocence at work, John also struggles at home. His marriage to Claire, a busy GP, is under great strain because of the secrets and lies his job requires. John becomes sure that a hardline part of the Iranian regime is planning an attack. To stop it, he must work out who he can really trust, both in the secret world of spies and in his own life.
The Main Cast And Characters Of Betrayal
The story is driven by its characters, from the spies at the heart of the conspiracy to the family caught in the middle.
Shaun Evans plays John Hughes
John Hughes is the central character, a skilled but weary MI5 officer. He is good at his job, but years of secrecy have hurt his personal life. Evans is best known for starring as the young Endeavour Morse in the popular ITV prequel series Endeavour. He also appeared in the BBC submarine thriller Vigil and the drama Until I Kill You.
“I was in from the get-go, really. It’s about someone having a midlife crisis. Things are no longer working for John and he’s trying to find a way forward. If you set that against the world of international espionage, it becomes a very interesting dual story,” Shaun Evans said about his role.
Romola Garai plays Claire Wardly
Claire is John’s wife and a dedicated doctor. She is tired of her husband’s secretive job and the way it keeps him away from their family. Garai is a celebrated actress known for her role as Briony Tallis in the award-winning film Atonement. She also starred in the BBC adaptation of Emma and the historical drama Becoming Elizabeth.
Zahra Ahmadi plays Mehreen Askari-Evans
Mehreen is a confident and capable MI5 operative brought in to take over John’s duties during the investigation. Instead of replacing him, she becomes his most important ally. Zahra Ahmadi is recognised by many as DS Esther Williams in the hit series Beyond Paradise. She also had a role in the long-running soap EastEnders.
Nikki Amuka-Bird plays Simone Grant
Simone Grant is John’s boss, the Head of State Threats for MI5. Her job involves managing serious dangers to the country, from terrorism to cybersecurity. Nikki Amuka-Bird is famous for her powerful performances in shows like Luther and the global spy series Citadel.
Gamba Cole plays Rudy Kember
Rudy works in the technical team at MI5 and is a close friend and supporter of John. Gamba Cole is best known for his role as Christian in Stephen Merchant’s comedy-drama The Outlaws. He has also appeared in the Netflix horror film His House and the series Hanna.
Omid Djalili plays Qasem Asadi
Qasem Asadi is a high-ranking Iranian general who is a key figure in John’s investigation. Omid Djalili is a well-known stand-up comedian and actor who has appeared in major films like Gladiator and The Mummy.
Key Supporting Actors In The Series
Beyond the main cast, the series features a deep roster of talented actors who fill out the world of MI5 and the surrounding conspiracy.
- Anthony Flanagan plays Chris Beeston, another officer within the security services. Flanagan has been in series like House of the Dragon.
- Matthew Tennyson appears as Greg Taylor.
- Hayley Tamaddon plays Fatemah Feyzi, an Iranian dissident connected to the case. Tamaddon is known for her role in Coronation Street.
- Emma Cunniffe plays Eve Hardy, a character within the MI5 structure.
How To Watch Betrayal
The series is made up of four episodes. For viewers in the UK, the show airs on ITV1 at 9 PM. The first episode was on February 8, with the second on February 9. The final two episodes will air on Sunday, February 15, and Monday, February 16. The entire series is also available to stream right now as a box set on ITVX.
The series was filmed in locations across Northern England in 2025, including Liverpool, Manchester, and Stockport. It was created by playwright David Eldridge and directed by Julian Jarrold. The production company behind it is Mammoth Screen, which is known for other major ITV dramas.
Also Read: It’s Not Like That Season 1 Release Info, Episode Guide, Cast and Streaming Details
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