Stonehouse

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Broadcasts on ITV1 then full series drop on ITVX on Wednesday 4 January.

Stonehouse

Series overview:

Drama starring Matthew Macfadyen as the ambitious British politician who, in 1974, hatches an outlandish plan to disappear. Inspired by the extraordinary true story.

Episode 1:

Miami, 1974. John Stonehouse’s (Matthew Macfadyen) head bobs above the water. Looking back at the beach, he sees his clothes folded up. This is the point of no return.

In the late sixties, John Stonehouse’s political career is booming. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Harold Wilson (Kevin R.McNally), he bags ministerial roles in Aviation and then as Postmaster General. He’s happily married to Barbara Stonehouse (Keeley Hawes), with three children.

During these successes though, Stonehouse is also forging secret relationships - first with Czech spymaster Alexander Marek (Igor Grabuzov) and then with his new secretary Sheila Buckley (Emer Heatley). Marek makes him an offer and Stonehouse is more than happy to trade information for money. His romance with Sheila is more organic, but also requires some more plate-spinning.

On top of this, the drama sees him spending his new found wealth lavishly. Against Barbara’s wishes, they move into a grand new house and Stonehouse buys an impractical sports car. 

The 1970 election proves to be a turning point as Stonehouse, when Labour loses power, goes from flag-waver to scapegoat. He’s left out in the cold by Wilson, Marek and the media. Rumours of fraud are circulating too, as his suspect investments are scrutinised. He’s becoming desperate. 

Inspired by The Day of the Jackal, he hatches a secret plan to escape his dire circumstances that involves a dead constituent and forged passports. A ministerial trip to Miami is the perfect opportunity - but can he bear to leave his family, and the real John Stonehouse, behind?

Full cast (if applicable)

John Stonehouse - MATTHEW MACFADYEN
Sheila Buckley - EMER HEATLEY
Harold Wilson - KEVIN R. MCNALLY
Barbara Stonehouse - KEELEY HAWES 
Speaker at The House of Commons - SIMON GREENALL
Betty Boothroyd - DOROTHY ATKINSON
Civil Servant - CELIA ROBERTSON
Young Matthew Stonehouse - DAINTON ANDERSON
Jane Stonehouse - ORLA HILL
Julia Stonehouse - AOIFE CHECKLAND
Czech Government Official - BRIAN CASPE
Irena Bala    I - EVA ANDREJEVAITE
Alexander Marek - IGOR GRABUZOV
Bank Manager - ROBIN LAING
BAC Spokesman - JONATHAN RHODES
Charles Elwel - TIMOTHY WALKER
Harry Evans - WILL ADAMSDALE
Margaret Thatcher - DEVON BLACK
Cliff Michelmore - ALBERT WELLING
BBC Studio Manager - JOSHUA DIFFLEY
Chief Whip - BRYAN LAWRENCE
Assistant Bank Manager - TOMMY LETTS
Patient - RICHARD RYCROFT
Nurse - SAM YETUNDE
Mrs Carey - CATHERINE SKINNER
Mourner - LINDA ARMSTRONG
Desk Clerk - SAM LOCKWOOD
Matthew Stonehouse - ARCHIE BARNES
Airline Official - TRACEY VANESSA BROWN