BritBox & ITV Teaming for Deaf Crime Drama 'Code of Silence'

Filming is underway for the next big collaboration between ITV and BritBox International, a crime thriller called Code of Silence. ITV initially commissioned the series in mid-2023 for its ITVX streaming service; BritBox boarded the project sometime between that initial announcement and the beginning of filming in October 2024, guaranteeing it would air in the U.S. and Canada. However, despite both networks being littered with mysteries, thrillers, true crime stories, and whodunit, Code of Silence stands as a new milestone in representation, as it's a high-profile mystery series with a deaf lead character, played by deaf actor Rose Ayling-Ellis, best known for her role on EastEnders.

The new series promises a fresh and distinctive perspective on the intersection of crime and communication. The initial press release described the series as "delivering a gripping and emotional narrative that provides essential representation for the Deaf community." Ayling-Ellis concurred in her statement: "When I first read Catherine Moulton’s script, it was obvious that her first-hand experiences and understanding 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 started!”

Ayling-Ellis may be breaking ground as a deaf lead, but the entire cast and crew is also walking the walk, bringing together a diverse group from the deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse communities both in front of and behind the camera.