The Veil Lifts on the Secretive World of Police Witness Protection
The highly anticipated crime thriller Protection is set to debut on ITV this weekend, offering an intriguing glimpse into the complex and often hidden realm of police witness protection. Crafted by the talented Kris Mrksa, the series stars Siobhan Finneran as Liz Nyles, a dedicated single mother and detective inspector who finds herself increasingly torn between her familial obligations, her relationship with her lover, and her unwavering commitment to her witnesses. The plot thickens when a murder occurs at one of her safe houses, drawing her into a tangled web of shadowy organizations with competing agendas, leaving her questioning who she can truly trust.
This gripping series draws inspiration from the experiences of a real-life witness protection officer, who served as a consultant to ensure authenticity in the portrayal of this delicate subject matter.
What is Protection About?
Detective Inspector Liz Nyles navigates the high-stakes and secretive world of police witness protection while juggling the challenges of her personal life. As a single mother to a teenage daughter, dealing with a complicated ex-husband, and caring for her father who is recovering from a stroke, Liz is driven by a strong sense of duty, deeply rooted in her policing background. She is particularly focused on the safety of Jimmy McLennan (played by Kris Hitchen), a high-risk criminal turned informant who is on the verge of testifying against a notorious organized crime figure.
Liz’s life is a balancing act, as she consistently prioritizes the well-being of others. However, her world begins to unravel when she embarks on a secret affair with her married colleague, DS Paul Brandice. The situation escalates when a murder at one of her safe houses raises alarming questions about the integrity of the witness protection unit, particularly as suspicions arise regarding potential leaks of sensitive information to organized crime.
As the police team investigates the murder, Liz initiates her own unofficial inquiry to uncover the source of the leak. This decision not only puts her at odds with her colleagues but also ignites her growing concerns about Brandice and the integrity of her team. As she delves deeper into her investigation, Liz finds herself breaking the very rules she once upheld, drawing danger closer to her doorstep.
Who is in the Cast of Protection?
Siobhan Finneran
Siobhan Finneran takes on the role of Detective Inspector Liz Nyles, a witness protection officer navigating her complex professional and personal life. Finneran describes Liz as a relatable character, saying, “Liz is a woman in her fifties with a 16-year-old daughter, and she has just become a full-time carer for her father. Like countless women, she strives to balance her personal and professional responsibilities, which makes her journey all the more impactful.” Known for her memorable performances in Benidorm and Downton Abbey, Finneran has also appeared in Coronation Street, Clocking Off, Happy Valley, and Alma’s Not Normal.
Katherine Kelly
Katherine Kelly portrays Detective Chief Inspector Hannah Wheatley, the head of the Major Investigations Team. Kelly describes her character as “very by the book,” emphasizing the importance of adhering to protocol, especially in high-stakes situations. Known for her role as Becky McDonald in Coronation Street, Kelly has also starred in Mr Selfridge, Happy Valley, The Night Manager, Gentleman Jack, Mr Bates vs. The Post Office, and The Crow Girl.
Nadine Marshall
Nadine Marshall takes on the role of Detective Chief Inspector Amanda Kelman, a senior officer in the Professional Standards Department tasked with investigating police corruption. Marshall describes Kelman as “shrewd and manipulative when necessary, yet incredibly intelligent.” Recently, she appeared in the film Bob Marley: One Love, and her television credits include The Smoking Room, The Commander, Hounded, Trigger Point, and Champion.
Barry Ward
Barry Ward plays Detective Sergeant Paul Brandice, a new recruit to the witness protection unit with a military background. Ward notes the character’s complexity, stating, “The allure of Paul Brandice lies in his duplicity—one is left to wonder if he is genuinely trustworthy or hiding a darker agenda.” Beginning his acting career as a child in Ireland, Ward has since appeared in The Fall, Britannia, Save Me, The Capture, and Anne Boleyn.
The cast of Protection also includes:
- Chaneil Kular as Detective Sergeant Raj Kohli (Sex Education, Accused)
- Tom Christian as DI Tommy Jardine (Gangs of London, Silent Witness)
- Akiya Henry as Detective Sergeant Sue Beardsley (Silent Witness, De-Lovely)
- Andrew Knott as Detective Inspector Richard Bewley (Gavin & Stacey, Maryland)
- Ace Bhatti as Detective Chief Inspector Arun Kapoor (Alex Rider, Baptiste)
- Charlotte Mills as Detective Sergeant Rachel Gordon (A Very Royal Scandal, Behind Her Eyes)
- David Hayman as Sid Nyles (Fisherman’s Friends, Hatton Garden)
- Jodie Price as Jasmine Nyles (One Day, Alma’s Not Normal)
- Alec Newman as Edward Crowther (Shetland, Unforgotten)
- Nichola Burley as Gemma Brandice (Virdee, The Gold)
- Tilly Kaye as Amy McLennan (Gentleman Jack, Last Tango in Halifax)
Where is Protection Filmed?
Filming for Protection commenced in July 2023 and wrapped up in September of the same year. A majority of the series was filmed across the north-west of England, with notable locations including Runcorn in Cheshire, as well as Birkenhead and Liverpool in Merseyside. Finneran expressed her enjoyment of filming in Liverpool, stating, “It’s a vibrant city with beautiful architecture.” Additional filming locations included Knowsley, Sefton, and Halton.
When is Protection Airing and How Many Episodes Are There?
This thrilling six-part series, Protection, will premiere on ITV on Sunday, March 16th, at 9 PM with an hour-long episode. The second episode will air at the same time on Monday, March 17th, followed by the remaining four episodes on successive Sundays and Mondays. Viewers can also stream the series on ITVX.
