Shaun Evans Transforms Espionage Drama: ITV’s Betrayal Explores the Psychological Toll of Secrecy

By Liam Harper London, February 11, 2026 – ITV’s latest thriller Betrayal has arrived as a gripping four-part series that shifts the espionage genre toward intimate, character-driven territory. Premiering on February 8 at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, the show stars Shaun Evans as MI5 officer John Hughes, delivering a performance that highlights the personal fractures caused by a life of deception. Zahra Ahmadi co-leads as Mehreen Askari-Evans, the MI6 operative whose arrival complicates everything. The series, written by playwright David Eldridge and directed by Julian Jarrold, blends high-stakes intelligence work with raw emotional realism.

liverpoolecho.co.uk

ITV Betrayal cast in full as Endeavour star Shaun Evans leads new drama – Liverpool Echo

At its heart, Betrayal follows John Hughes (Evans), a mid-career MI5 veteran from a working-class background navigating an ever-changing intelligence landscape. His unorthodox instincts have served him well, but a clandestine meeting with a British-Iranian informant goes catastrophically wrong: the source is assassinated, and John kills the attacker in self-defense. Rather than praise, he faces an intense internal investigation, surveillance, and the threat of redundancy. His handler, Simone Grant (Nikki Amuka-Bird), warns that his “gut” is no longer enough in a resource-strapped agency.

prima.co.uk

ITV drama Betrayal cast: Where you’ve seen Shaun Evans, Romola Garai and co before

Compounding the professional pressure is John’s crumbling marriage to Claire Wardly (Romola Garai). Past infidelity lingers, and his inability to share details of his work deepens the rift. As John refuses to drop the case—believing it uncovers a credible terrorist threat possibly tied to Iranian interests—his efforts to salvage his home life grow desperate. Enter Mehreen Askari-Evans (Ahmadi), a British-Iranian MI6 agent assigned to take over John’s duties. Initially an overseer poised to push him out, she becomes an unlikely ally as they delve into layers of conspiracy involving gang connections, institutional paranoia, and global dangers.

hellomagazine.com

Viewers binge-watch new spy thriller Betrayal after ‘brilliant’ 1st episode | HELLO!

The supporting ensemble enriches the narrative: Gamba Cole as Rudy Kember, Omid Djalili in a key role, and others add texture to the web of suspicions. Produced by Mammoth Screen, with executive producers including Eldridge, Evans, Jarrold, Tom Leggett, and Damien Timmer, the series was filmed in London and Manchester, grounding its thriller elements in gritty, relatable settings.

Critics and viewers have responded with a mix of praise and debate. Many hailed the premiere as a strong opener, with social media buzzing over its binge-worthy pace and Evans’ “phenomenal” nuances—bewildered vulnerability mixed with stubborn resolve. One viewer called it “the best drama of the lot,” while others binge-watched all episodes on ITVX, praising the taut script and twists. IMDb rates it around 6.7/10, with fans noting its “well-paced and nicely twisty” nature.

radiotimes.com

Betrayal cast | Shaun Evans and Romola Garai star in ITV thriller | Radio Times

However, some reviews critiqued its “drab and downbeat” tone, likening it more to a marital crime drama than classic spy fare—lacking the glamour of Slow Horses or flashier predecessors. The Guardian noted it “barely has enough energy” for MI5 intrigue, though Evans and Garai elevate the material. Others pointed to occasional logistical blunders or familiar tropes, yet acknowledged the emotional intelligence in exploring secrecy’s toll on relationships.

Ahmadi’s Mehreen brings cultural depth and complexity, her alliance with John raising questions of loyalty amid shifting allegiances. The finale’s revelations—without spoiling—underscore themes of institutional betrayal and personal cost, leaving viewers pondering trust in an era of fractured truths.

Evans, fresh from Endeavour and Until I Kill You, infuses John with relatable exhaustion rather than Bond-like charisma. Ahmadi, known from Beyond Paradise and The Bay, delivers a layered portrayal balancing professionalism and personal stakes. Their chemistry drives the series’ tension.

As all episodes stream on ITVX, Betrayal stands out in ITV’s Sunday 9pm slot for prioritizing psychological depth over spectacle. It asks: When duty demands silence, what remains of trust—at work or home? In a genre often defined by gadgets and chases, this series reminds us the deepest betrayals are the quiet ones.

(Word count: 702)

walesonline.co.uk