A new crime drama has been commissioned by ITV’s Head of Drama Polly Hill with Strictly Come Dancing winner and former EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis starring in the series.

The six-part thriller, Code of Silence, will air on ITV and viewers will be able to stream it on ITVX.

Alison Woods, a Deaf catering worker, will be introduced to viewers as she struggles financially while juggling two jobs.

She works in a police canteen and a local bar while also trying to support her Deaf mum, Julie.

When DC Ashleigh Francis calls on Alison to lip-read the conversations of some dangerous criminals, she is plunged into a new and exhilarating world. 

It isn’t long before Alison’s interpretation of the gang's clandestine meetings becomes a key part of unlocking the police investigation.

When Alison starts to fall for one of the main suspects, Liam, her feelings about the case become complicated.

Alison knows she's putting herself at risk by agreeing to work with the police, and when things threaten to spill over into her personal life, she knows she should step away. But Alison can’t let go.

Polly Hill said: “In a world where there’s a lot of crime drama Code of Silence really stands out. It’s a brilliantly original story and a great role for Rose Ayling-Ellis. Catherine Moulton has written a thrilling drama that audiences will be gripped and surprised by, but she also puts you in the shoes of Alison, a young Deaf woman.  

“I am incredibly proud to make this show with Rose, Catherine and Mammoth Screen. It’s a mainstream crime show, but one that can make a real difference to the audience’s understanding of the Deaf community.”

Rose Ayling-Ellis said: “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. 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!”

The drama was created and written by Catherine Moulton and produced by leading independent producers Mammoth Screen. 

Mammoth Screen’s Founder and Chief Creative Officer Damien Timmer said: “Rose Ayling-Ellis is one of the UK’s most luminous stars and Catherine Moulton is one of our most exciting new writing talents so this really is a match made in heaven! Code of Silence is a riveting thriller which will make you look at the world around you with new eyes.”