Protection is a brand new thriller from ITV, which takes us into the often-hidden and misunderstood world of witness protection - and the cast is led by several of our favourite TV actresses.

The series is written by acclaimed screenwriter Kris Mrska, and stars Siobhan Finneran, Nadine Marshall and Katherine Kelly. That alone is enough to whet our appetite.

So what is the plot of Protection, when does it start, who else is in the cast, and is it based on a book? Here's everything you need to know...

What is the plot of Protection on ITV?

Protection is described as a compelling thriller, created and written by acclaimed screenwriter Kris Mrksa (No Escape, White House Farm).

A synopsis from ITV says: "Protection is about what happens when the witness protection system breaks down. It's about a police officer, Detective Inspector Liz Nyles, finds herself at the heart of such a breach...

"Personally compromised by an affair with a colleague, she's determined to fight back and uncover the true source of corruption within her unit."

DI Liz Nyles tries to redeem herself, the reputation of her lover, and keep her witnesses safe - with great difficulty!

Her mission to find the truth will take her deep into the heart of the criminal
underbelly as she becomes more and more torn between caring
for her family, her loyalty to her lover and her duty as a police officer.

Writer Kris Mrksa tells us: "Protection is a suspenseful conspiracy thriller, but it also explores some complex moral questions, about how far we should be prepared to go in order to serve the greater good."

Who is in the cast of ITV's Protection?

Actress Siobhan Finneran stars in the leading role of Protection. She plays "tough, smart cop" DI Liz Nyles. Of course, we know her best for playing Clare Cartwright in Happy Valley, Sarah O'Brien in Downton Abbey, and Janice in Benidorm.

Fellow Happy Valley star Katherine Kelly - currently in the cast of The Crow Girl on Paramount+ - will play DCI Hannah Wheatley.

Silent Witness star Nadine Marshall plays DCI Amanda Kelman in the cast.

Additional casting includes Bad Sisters actor Barry Ward as DS Paul Brandice, Sex Education's Chaneil Kular as DS Raj Kholi, and Taboo's David Hayman as Sid Nyles.

Lastly, The Gold's Nichola Burley will play Gemma Brandice, alongside Death in Paradise's Akiya Henry.

How can I watch it? When's the start date?

The series will premiere on ITV1 and be available for streaming on ITVX.

Although ITV has not yet released a start date, we're expecting it to be very soon, spring at the latest.

Protection was first announced in 2023, with an expected due date in 2024. So it should be ready to go any day now!

Is Protection based on a book?

Protection is not based on a book, but it is based on the first-hand experiences of a long serving witness protection officer who understandably wishes to remain anonymous. The unnamed officer also acted as a series consultant.

The series came from an idea by the witness protection specialist who served in the Met for 30 years. During his time in witness protection, he looked after a number of high-profile cases and informants, including, war criminals, terrorists and criminals of all kinds.

A synopsis from ITV says: "Witness protection is often glamorised as keeping innocent witnesses safe from harm, but the truth is darker, murkier, and far more complex.

"Many protected people are themselves criminals. It's a life of moral compromise. It also involves maximum secrecy, false identities, and a world where you can't trust your own colleagues."

'Witness protection is a thrilling backdrop for crime thriller'

ITV's Head of Drama Polly Hill says: "The clandestine world of witness protection creates a thrilling backdrop for this intriguing crime thriller written brilliantly by Kris Mrska.

"We've attracted an amazing cast including Siobhan Finneran, Nadine Marshall and Katherine Kelly."

Where is it set and filmed? What's the location?

Filming commenced in and around Liverpool in 2023. Other places in the north-west of England, include Birkenhead, and Runcorn.

Upcoming Sean Bean thriller This City is Ours was also recently filmed in Liverpool.

Of course, other famous shows filmed and set in Liverpool include Brookside, Boys from the Black Stuff, Bread, Help, Rules of the Game, Harlan Coben's Stay Close, and The Responder.

The iconic BBC drama Peaky Blinders might have been set in 1920s Birmingham, but much of the drama was actually filmed up in Liverpool across multiple locations.

How many episodes is Protection?

Protection is a six-part series, with each episode airing over an hour - including ads.

ITV has not yet confirmed what date the series will start, but we'll be expecting this to land in a primetime slot, possibly on a Sunday night at 9pm.

Protection is expected to start on ITV1 and ITVX in early 2025.