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Protection Series: All we know About the Siobhan Finneran & Katherine Kelly-led Gripping Thriller
Protection is the gripping new thriller that dives into the high-stakes, morally complex world of witness protection. From tense standoffs in hidden safe houses to ethical dilemmas that challenge the line between right and wrong, this series promises edge-of-your-seat suspense and riveting drama.
With Siobhan Finneran leading an exceptional cast, Protection delivers a fresh take on crime thrillers, combining conspiracies, personal betrayals, and secrets lurking within the justice system.
The latest buzz? Protection is set to debut soon on BritBox in North America, with plans for a UK premiere following shortly. Fans of compelling crime dramas and morally gray protagonists won't want to miss this standout series from the creators of Des and The Missing.
Curious to know more? We’ve got all the details, from the cast and creative team to the unique inspirations behind the story. Keep checking back, as we’ll continue updating with new revelations and exclusive insights that make Protection a must-watch thriller this season!
Release date & Where to Watch
Protection premieres in North America with all six episodes available on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, exclusively on BritBox. A UK release on ITV1 and ITVX is set to follow soon.
What is the plot of Protection?
Protection is a gripping crime drama that delves into the murky world of witness protection, where secrecy, moral compromise, and betrayal are part of the job. Siobhan Finneran stars as Detective Inspector Liz Nyles, a dedicated officer tasked with protecting the McLennan family.
Jimmy McLennan, the patriarch, is a key witness in a case against a dangerous crime boss, but the situation grows even more perilous when a shooting at the safe house leaves Jimmy and an unexpected visitor, DS Paul Brandice, injured.
Brandice, Liz’s secret lover, wasn’t assigned to the case, raising suspicions and threatening to expose not only their affair but also a deeper web of corruption within the witness protection unit. As Liz grapples with the fallout, she must uncover the truth to protect her witnesses—many of whom are far from innocent—while fighting to redeem her own reputation and that of her lover.
Based on the real-life experiences of a veteran witness protection officer, Protection reveals the darker realities of the programme: criminals posing as victims, false identities, and colleagues who may not be trustworthy. Liz’s personal and professional lives collide as she navigates a treacherous system that’s on the brink of collapse.
This taut thriller by Kris Mrksa explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and deception, painting a vivid portrait of a resilient officer torn between family, love, and duty. It’s a story that will leave audiences questioning who can truly be trusted.
Who’s Starring in Protection?
- Siobhan Finneran (Happy Valley) as DI Liz Nyles
- Katherine Kelly (The Long Shadow, Mr Bates vs. the Post Office) as DCI Hannah Wheatley
- Andrew Knott (Black Work) as DI Richard Bewley
- Tom Christian (Grace) as DI Tommy Jardine
- Nadine Marshall (Sherwood) as DCI Amanda Kelman
- Alec Newman as Edward Crowther
- Barry Ward (Bad Sisters) as DS Paul Brandice
- Chaneil Kular (Sex Education) as DS Raj Kholi
- David Hayman (Guilt) as Sid Nyles
- Nichola Burley (The Gold) as Gemma Brandice
- Akiya Henry (Silent Witness) as DS Sue Beardsley
- Anthony Flanagan (House of the Dragon) as DCI Amos Wilson
- Ian Pirie (Guilt) as Assistant Chief Inspector
- Jodie Price as Jasmine Nyles
- Stamatis Karagiannis as Mourner
- Zora Bishop as Rezan Crowther
- Adam Long as Patrick Ellis
- Naomi Yang as Irene Kim
- Waj Ali as Soran Ahmadi
- Haroon Rafiq as Detective
- Calvin Roberts as Police Officer
- Roderick Hill as Mr. Wojcik
- Andy M Milligan as Train Commuter
Is There a Trailer for Protection?
Not yet, but we’ll keep you updated as soon as it arrives.
Filming & Production
Filming for Protection occurred between July and Sept. 2023 across the north-west of England, with locations including Birkenhead, Runcorn, and Liverpool.
Behind the Scenes
Protection comes from the award-winning production company New Pictures, known for Des and The Missing. It is directed by Simen Alsvik (The Nest) and Sasha Ransome (COBRA).
The series is penned by Kris Mrksa, who writes episodes one, three, and six, with Polly Buckle (episodes two and four) and Guila Sandler (episode five) also contributing. Executive producers include Willow Grylls, Charlie Hampton, Elaine Pyke, and Kris Mrksa, with Rebecca Davies serving as producer.
ITV’s head of drama, Polly Hill, praised the series, saying, “The clandestine world of witness protection creates a thrilling backdrop for this intriguing crime thriller written brilliantly by Kris Mrksa.” Willow Grylls and Charlie Hampton further highlighted the series’ compelling narrative and its strong female leads, played by Siobhan Finneran, Nadine Marshall, and Katherine Kelly.
Protection is produced in association with All3Media International, blending a tense storyline with a stellar cast and creative team for a must-watch thriller.
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