ITV commissions six part thriller Code of Silence starring Rose Ayling-Ellis

ITV commissions six part thriller Code of Silence starring Rose Ayling-Ellis

Written by Catherine Moulton  and produced By Mammoth Screen

ITV’s Head of Drama Polly Hill has commissioned suspenseful crime drama Code of Silence, starring Rose Ayling-Ellis, created and written by Catherine Moulton and produced by leading independent producers Mammoth Screen. 

The drama will premiere on ITV and be available for streaming on ITVX.

Code of Silence introduces us to Deaf catering worker, Alison Woods. She’s struggling to make ends meet, juggling two jobs, in a police canteen and a local bar, while also doing her best to support her Deaf mum, Julie. When DC Ashleigh Francis calls on Alison to lip read the conversations of some dangerous criminals, she is plunged into a new and exhilarating world. 

Alison’s interpretation of the gang's clandestine meetings quickly become key to unlocking the police investigation. But Alison's feelings about the case become complicated when she finds herself drawn to Liam, one of the main suspects. Alison knows she's putting herself at risk by agreeing to work with the police, and when things threaten to spill over into her personal life, she knows she should step away. But Alison can’t let go…

Commented Polly Hill:  

“In a world where there’s a lot of crime drama Code of Silence really stands out. It’s a brilliantly original story and a great role for Rose Ayling-Ellis. Catherine Moulton has written a thrilling drama that audiences will be gripped and surprised by, but she also puts you in the shoes of Alison, a young Deaf woman.  I am incredibly proud to make this show with Rose, Catherine and Mammoth Screen. It’s a mainstream crime show, but one that can make a real difference to the audience’s understanding of the Deaf community.” 

Commented Rose Ayling-Ellis:  

“I am so thrilled to be coming on board for Code of Silence and to get to work with the incredible team at Mammoth Screen. When I first read Catherine Moulton’s script it was obvious that her first-hand experiences and understanding has enabled her to write a truly authentic character and I knew I had to be a part of this project. I am so delighted ITV are as excited as we are to bring this to life and I can’t wait to get to started!”

Mammoth Screen’s Founder and Chief Creative Officer Damien Timmer comments:

"Rose Ayling-Ellis is one of the UK’s most luminous stars and Catherine Moulton is one of our most exciting new writing talents so this really is a match made in heaven! Code of Silence is a riveting thriller which will make you look at the world around you with new eyes."

Catherine Moulton (Baptiste, Then You Run, Hijack) made the move into writing after taking part in the 2019 4Screenwriting course and was also on the BBC TV Drama Writers Programme for 2020.

Commented Catherine Moulton: 

“I am beyond excited to be working with Rose, ITV and Mammoth on Code of Silence. It’s a fantastic opportunity to combine my love of a tense, twisty thrillers with my experience of lip reading and hearing loss, and all in a show for ITV. I can’t imagine a more perfect Alison than Rose and I will do my best to make sure the story keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.”

ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill, will oversee production of the series from the channel’s perspective.  Tom Leggett and Damien Timmer executive produce for Mammoth Screen alongside Catherine Moulton.

Mammoth Screen, part of ITV Studios, is the multi-award-winning production company responsible for critically acclaimed dramas including Endeavour 1-IX, The Tower I and II, McDonald & Dodds I-IV, Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? and Tom Jones for ITV and ITVX, and The Serpent, Noughts + Crosses I and II, World On Fire I and II, The Rapture and Grime Kids for BBC.

Code of Silence is distributed internationally by ITV Studios.