The Undeclared War reveals intense first-look image of Simon Pegg and Adrian Lester in Channel 4 drama

Virgin Radio

16 Jun 2022, 08:20

Upcoming cyber-security drama, The Undeclared War, already has us on the edge of our seats. 

Channel 4 have shared the first-look image of stars Simon Pegg, Adrian Lester and Hannah Khalique-Brown as the GCHQ analytics team who are trying to ward off a series of cyber attacks on the UK in the lead up to a general election in 2024.

Hannah stars as 21-year-old intern Saara Parvin, who suddenly finds herself “operating on the invisible frontier of high-stakes cyber warfare.”

In the teaser image, Adrian, Hannah and Simon flash up on several computer monitors, with one screen showing a warning sign reading ‘system hacked’. 

Additional cast members also include Mark Rylance, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, Alex Jennings and Kerry Godliman.

The official Channel 4 synopsis reads: “In a thrilling cat and mouse game, Saara and the team at GCHQ must try to stay one step ahead and anticipate their opponents' every hidden move. 

“The clock is ticking as a battle with high stakes and unpredictable enemies takes place entirely online, with very real consequences.  But how do you win a war most of the public don’t know you’re fighting?”

The series was created and researched by BAFTA-winning writer Peter Kosminsky, who previously made Wolf Hall and The Promise. 

In a statement, Peter said: “The Undeclared War has been many years in the making. It imagines how the next few years might play out in the domain of cyber warfare – a battle unseen by the public but with potentially devastating consequences.

“In my work, I’ve tried to shine a light on aspects of public policy which affect us all but where the details of what is taking place, often behind the scenes, are not well understood. I hope this drama will give audiences an insight into a world certain to impact our lives significantly in the years ahead.”

Speaking of new dramas, Adrian’s Trigger Point co-star Vicky McClure is set to star in upcoming thriller Without Sin. 

The four-part psychological series will explore the relationship which develops between a grieving mother and the man she believes murdered her daughter.

The Undeclared War will launch on Channel 4 and All 4 on Thursday 30th June at 9pm.