New ITV Relationship Drama "Adultery" Explores Complex Infidelity

A provocative new British television drama titled "Adultery" is set to premiere on ITV1 and the streaming platform ITVX, offering viewers a nuanced look at modern relationships, grief, and temptation. Written by acclaimed writer Danny Brocklehurst and filmed in Bolton, Lancashire, and around Greater Manchester, the six-part series dives deeply into what Brocklehurst calls the "anatomy of an affair." The story follows the emotional fallout that occurs when two married strangers cross a forbidden line, upending their families in the process.

The central plot revolves around Tom Kirkman, a successful general practitioner played by Dominic Cooper, and Beth Brookes, a working mother and personal trainer played by Romola Garai. Their paths cross unexpectedly, igniting an immediate and intense attraction. Complicating matters further, their secret romance develops in parallel with a tender teenage relationship between Beth's son, Ollie, and Tom's daughter, Jess, who have recently started dating. The narrative framework deliberately builds immediate friction by intertwining the family structures of both protagonists.

Before embarking on the affair, both characters are navigating significant personal turmoil. Beth is dealing with a strained marriage to her hard-working husband, Neil, played by Matthew McNulty, whose drinking and looming court case add heavy pressure to the household. The sudden, unexpected death of Beth's closest friend, Ally, serves as a major catalyst, leaving her unmoored and questioning the compromises of her life. Meanwhile, Tom is married to his university sweetheart, Hannah, portrayed by Shelley Conn, who is currently trying to recover from a period of emotional ill health while sensing a growing distance in their marriage.

Creator Danny Brocklehurst explained that the project drew heavily from personal observations and modern family dynamics. Originally titled "Play with Fire," the writer deliberately chose the title "Adultery" for its provocative and emotionally charged nature. "An affair is a good way to tell stories about modern families, about social media, about grief, about class, about loneliness," Brocklehurst stated, emphasizing that the characters are not reduced to simple moral stereotypes or villains.

For the lead actors, exploring the psychological depths of infidelity proved to be both challenging and unsettling. Dominic Cooper noted how easily a seemingly stable life can unravel under the weight of temptation. "Nothing changes our emotional state more than temptation. I loved that in this story, even with all those good things, you can still smash it to pieces," Cooper remarked, adding that he hopes the series encourages couples to reflect and talk openly about the concepts of commitment and monogamy.

Romola Garai was particularly mindful of avoiding tired tropes associated with cheating women in literature and television. She wanted to portray Beth as a woman who had simply grown tired of always doing the right thing. Working alongside an intimacy coordinator, Garai and Cooper focused heavily on conveying the intense taboo and the electric thrill of physical contact with someone outside a primary relationship. The production team also filmed multiple different endings, ultimately selecting the one that felt the most honest to the reality that affairs are built on fantasies that must eventually face everyday life.

The series begins broadcasting with its first two episodes scheduled for Sunday and Monday evenings, with all six episodes simultaneously released as a box set on ITVX for streaming. While the production is tailored primarily for audiences in the UK, viewers utilizing VPN services abroad can also access the platform.