We finally know when Code of Silence will arrive on ITV1... and it's just a few months away!

ITV has confirmed the much-anticipated crime drama starring Rose Ayling-Ellis will be hitting our screens on Sunday, May 18, 2025, with the whole series dropping on ITVX the same day.

The six-part tale tells the story of deaf caterer, Alison Woods, who is recruited to help police with a thrilling investigation after a detective asks her to lip-read the conversations of some dangerous criminals.

Rose Ayling-Ellis proved a massive hit with viewers when she won Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 and has also previously appeared in EastEnders.

Yet this will be her first leading role in a primetime drama and she explained how excited she was for viewers to see the series, which was created by Catherine Moulton, who drew on her own experiences with lip-reading and hearing loss for the show.

"When I first read Catherine Moulton’s script it was obvious that her first-hand experiences and understanding have enabled her to write a truly authentic character," she says. "I knew I had to be a part of this project!"

The six-parter, which co-stars Andrew Buchan, Charlotte Ritchie and Kieron Moore, will also be produced with the support of a diverse cast and crew from the deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse communities.

A synopsis from ITV explains how the show follows Alison Brooks (Rose Ayling-Ellis), a smart and determined deaf woman, who's spent years working in a police canteen and secretly observing conversations.

"Alison's 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."

Code of Silence premieres on ITV1, STV, ITVX, and STV Player on Sunday, May 18.

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

The six-part tale tells the story of a 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 Come Dancing 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...

Code of Silence release date

Code of Silence started on ITV1 and STV on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 9pm. The series will air on Sunday and Monday evenings in the same slot on ITV1.

The series is currently available to stream on ITVX and STV Player, and will premiere on BritBox North America on July 24.

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."

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!”

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).

Is there a Code of Silence trailer? 

Yes, the trailer sees Rose in the leading role as Alison Brooks and the dangerous path she finds herself on after agreeing to help the police...