When it comes to gritty relationship dramas, there aren’t many that have managed to get even close to the brilliance of The Affair – at least not in our opinion. But it seems the hit Sky show finally has a rival in the form of ITV’s Adultery, the new relationship drama that's already won over an army of fans.

The messy - and rather steamy - series introduces us to young lovers Jess (Leila Khan) and Ollie (Johnny Sanpher), who are in the throes of a new relationship and are rapidly falling deeply in love. But when their parents meet, it seems there’s another attraction forming –a forbidden one with potentially devastating consequences.

With Adultery set to continue on ITV this weekend, here’s everything you need to know about the gripping new affair drama before you tune in, including the plot, cast, how to catch up - and why you absolutely shouldn't resist watching it.

What is Adultery about?

this image and the information contained herein is strictly embargoed until 00.01 saturday 17 october 2026from poison pen studiosadultery: sr1: ep2 on itv1 and itvxpictured: beth [romola garai] and tom [dominic cooper].this photograph is (c) poison pen studios and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or itv plc. this photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by itv plc picture publicity. this photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of itv picture publicity. full terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms
Thomas Wood

The six-part series comes from Bafta-winner Danny Brocklehurst, best known for adapting Harlan Coben’s Fool Me Once and co-creating Sky's Brassic. He’s also written TV dramas including Ten Pound Poms and Stay Close – so it's hardly surprising that his latest project is as compelling as it is.

The story centres around two ordinary families and the messy complications that impact them - though messy is perhaps an understatement. We meet Tom Kirkman’s (Dominic Cooper) 15-year-old daughter Jess (Leila Khan) who's found love with schoolmate Ollie (Johnny Sanpher). So far, so ordinary.

But when married Tom meets Ollie’s mum Beth (Romola Garai) - she's also married - in the most unexpected circumstances, the attraction can't be ignored. And if you're wondering whether Tom and Beth are able to control their desires - unlike their lovestruck teenagers - the answer is no.

What to read next

this image and the information contained herein is strictly embargoed until 00.01 saturday 17 october 2026from poison pen studiosadultery: sr1: ep1 on itv1 and itvxpictured: ollie [johnny sanpher] and jess [leila khan].this photograph is (c) poison pen studios and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or itv plc. this photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by itv plc picture publicity. this photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of itv picture publicity. full terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms
Ben Blackall

This isn't, as you might expect, a glossy, unrealistic portrayal of forbidden relationships - it's far better than that. It’s messy and honest as Tom and Beth ultimately give in to their desires in a bid to distract from their descent into middle age. It's wrong, yes, but there's something brilliantly addictive about being on the rollercoaster with them.

Who's in the cast of Adultery?

this image and the information contained herein is strictly embargoed until 00.01 tuesday 27 october 2026from poison pen studiosadultery: sr1: ep4 on itv1 and itvxpictured: beth [romola garai].this photograph is (c) poison pen studios and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or itv plc. this photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by itv plc picture publicity. this photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of itv picture publicity. full terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms
Thomas Wood

The cast of Adultery includes:

  • Dominic Cooper (Preacher, The Devil's Double) as Tom Kirkman
  • Romola Garai (One Life, Vigil) as Beth Brookes
  • Shelley Conn (Gen V, Bridgerton) as Tom’s wife Hannah
  • Matthew McNulty (Domina, Deadwater Fell) as Beth’s husband Neil
  • Johnny Sanpher as Ollie Brookes
  • Leila Khan (Heartstopper, Crookhaven) as Jess Kirkman
  • Andrew Knott (Gavin & Stacey, Protection) as Dave, the ex-husband of Beth’s recently deceased best friend
  • James Murray (The Crown, Masters of the Air) as Paul Kirkman
  • Charley Webb (The Long Shadow, Better) as Leah Kirkman

Is there a trailer for Adultery?

Yes, you can watch the trailer for Adultery below.

How can I watch Adultery?

Adultery will continue on ITV1 and ITVX at 9pm on Sunday 1st November, and on Monday 2nd November at 9pm.