Code of Silence is a brand new ITV thriller coming soon, starring Rose Ayling-Ellis in the leading role as a lip reader who must use her skills to spy on a dangerous gang...

ITV announced the "groundbreaking" series this week, alongside a selection of first-look images featuring other key cast members including Charlotte Ritchie and Andrew Buchan.

Here's everything we know so far about Code of Silence on ITV, including number of episodes, start date, plot and cast.

What is the plot of Code of Silence on ITV?

Code of Silence is a gripping new six-part crime thriller on ITV, starring Rose Ayling-Ellis in what is described as a groundbreaking lead role.

She portrays Alison Brooks, a smart and determined deaf woman who has spent years working in a police canteen and secretly observing conversations... Basically, she's nosy like all the best amateur sleuths are!

However, her life takes an unexpected turn when her unparalleled lip-reading skills catch the attention of two top detectives. DS Ashleigh Francis and DI James Marsh recruited Alison for a covert operation... She is tasked with surveilling a criminal gang as they plot a high-stakes heist, thrusting her into a world of crime, deception and, ultimately, great danger.

The ITV synopsis tells us: "As she deciphers their secret exchanges, Alison becomes an invaluable asset to the case. But, the deeper she gets, the more perilous her role becomes.

"When she crosses paths with Liam Barlow, the gang's newest recruit, an unexpected and dangerous bond forms between them, one that threatens to expose her true identity while pulling her further into the criminal world."

How many episodes is it?

Code of Silence is a six-part series which will premiere on ITV1, STV, ITVX, and STV Player.

Each episode will be an hour long, including ad breaks.

When does Code of Silence start on ITV?

ITV has confirmed that the start date for Code of Silence is Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 9pm on ITV1, STV, ITVX, and STV Player.

The entire series will stream as a boxset from that first Sunday. It will premiere on BritBox in the US and Canada later this year.

Is it based on a true story?

Code of Silence is not based on a true story. However, it is created by Catherine Moulton, who drew on her own experiences with lip-reading and hearing loss.

ITV tells us: "Code of Silence offers a fresh and distinctive perspective on the intersection of crime and communication delivering a gripping and emotional narrative that brings important representation for the deaf community, together with the support of a diverse cast and crew from the deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse communities."

Who is in the cast?

Rose Ayling-Ellis leads the cast as Alison Brooks in Code of Silence. She's best known for playing Frankie Lewis in EastEnders, and Freya Chordwell in Ludwig. Of course, she famously won Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 with her professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice.

Charlotte Richie will play DS Ashleigh Francis. Of course, the popular TV actress previously played Nurse Barbara Hereward in Call the Midwife, Alison Cooper in Ghosts, and Bonnie Davenport in Grantchester.

Actor Andrew Buchan stars as DI James Marsh. He recently played Helen's husband and high-profile politician Wallace Webb in Netflix's Black Doves. Before that, he was perhaps best known for playing Mark Latimer in series 1 to 3 of Broadchurch, or Felim Bichan in Industry.

Kieron Moore will portray the criminal gang's newest recruit, Liam Barlow. He previously played Dimitri Belikov in Vampire Academy, and Cliff Starkey in Masters of the Air.

The cast of Code of Silence also includes The Witcher's Nathan Armarkwei Laryea, Silent Witness' Joe Absolom, The Serpent Queen's Beth Goddard, and Emmerdale's Andrew Scarborough.

Switch star Fifi Garfield also appears, alongside presenter Rolf Choutan, who is making his acting debut. Watch out for a cameo appearance by actor, comedian and presenter John Bishop, too!

Code of Silence starts on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 9pm on ITV1, STV, ITVX, and STV Player.