Code of Silence: release date, cast, plot, images and more

Rose Ayling plays Alison Brooks in Code of Silence

Rose Ayling-Ellis plays Alison Woods in ITV's six-part drama (Image credit: Samuel Dore/Mammoth Screen)

Rose Ayling-Ellis will lead an impressive cast in ITV's Code of Silence, a 'groundbreaking' crime drama with a difference.

The six-part tale tells the story of deaf caterer, Alison Woods, who becomes embroiled in a thrilling investigation after a detective asks her to lip-read the conversations of some dangerous criminals.

Ayling-Ellis became a firm favourite with soap fans after starring as Frankie Lewis in EastEnders, before winning Strictly in 2021, yet this will be her first lead role in a primetime drama.

“In a world where there’s a lot of crime drama Code of Silence really stands out," says ITV's Head of Drama, Polly Hill. "It’s a brilliantly original story that audiences will be gripped and surprised by, but she also puts you in the shoes of Alison, a young Deaf woman."

The series has been created by Catherine Moulton, who's previously penned episodes of Then You Run, Hijack and Baptiste, and drew on her own experiences with lip-reading and hearing loss when creating the show.

“I am beyond excited to be working with Rose, ITV and Mammoth on Code of Silence," adds Catherine. "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.”

Here's everything we know about Code of Silence...

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Code of Silence release date

Code of Silence will premiere on ITV1 and STV on Sunday 18th May 2025.

It will also be available on streaming services ITVX and STV Player.

The six-part series will be distributed internationally by ITV Studios and will be broadcast on BritBox in the US and Canada later this year.

Rose Ayling and Kieron Moore star in Code of Silence (Image credit: Samuel Dore/Mammoth Screen)

Code of Silence plot

An official ITV synopsis reads as follows...

"At the heart of the series is Alison Brooks (Rose Ayling-Ellis), a smart and determined Deaf woman. Having spent years working in a police canteen and secretly observing conversations, her life takes an unexpected turn when her exceptional lip-reading skills catch the attention of DS Ashleigh Francis (Charlotte Ritchie) and DI James Marsh (Andrew Buchan). Recruited for a covert operation, Alison is tasked with surveilling a dangerous gang as they plot a high-stakes heist, thrusting her into a world of crime, deception, and risk like never before.

"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 (Kieron Moore), 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.

"Juggling the pressures of undercover work, family struggles, and the fallout of a long-term relationship, Alison must navigate a world of deception and danger, testing her resilience and ultimately reshaping her life forever."

Charlotte Ritchie plays DS Ashleigh Francis (Image credit: Samuel Dore/Mammoth Screen)

Code of Silence cast

Rose Ayling-Ellis will play the leading role of Alison Woods. Rose was born deaf and had small parts in period drama Summer of Rockets and Casualty, before getting her big break as Frankie Lewis in the BBC soap EastEnders. Daughter of Mick Carter (Danny Dyer), Frankie quickly became a fan favourite and was involved in high profile storylines, including her sibling rivalry plot with half-sister Nancy Carter.

Her character was originally written by deaf journalist and scriptwriter Charlie Swinbourne and made her first appearance in May 2020, departing the show in September 2022. She was nominated for a string of her awards during her time on the soap.

Rose is also famous for being the first deaf contestant on Strictly Come Dancing history when she entered the nineteenth series in 2021. She went on to win the series, alongside partner Giovanni Pernice.

“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," said Rose in an official ITV statement. "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!”

Andrew Buchan plays DI James Marsh in Code of Silence (Image credit: Samuel Dore/Mammoth Screen)

Joining Rose Ayling-Ellis are Kieron Moore (Vampire Academy, Masters of the Air, The Corps) who plays suspect Liam Bayne, Charlotte Ritchie (Ghosts, You) as DS Ashleigh Francis, and Andrew Buchan (Broadchurch, The Honourable Woman) as DI James Marsh.

The cast also includes Nathan Armarkwei Laryea (The Witcher), Joe Absolom (Doc Martin, A Confession), Beth Goddard (The Serpent Queen, Manhunt), Andrew Scarborough (Emmerdale, Wolfblood), presenter Rolf Choutan who is making his acting debut, and Fifi Garfield (Coffee Morning Club, Deaf Funny).