Lennie James to Lead New ITV Thriller Nightswimming

Lennie James will lead a new ITV thriller called Nightswimming. The news was reported by Deadline on 5 November 2026.

James plays Matthew, a man who returns to his home in Portugal. He was convicted there over an attack on his family. The story follows what happens when he comes back.

The series was created by Harry and Jack Williams. It is produced by Two Brothers Pictures, the Banijay-backed company behind Fleabag and The Tourist. Banijay is the European production group that owns the company.

Filming will begin in Portugal in spring 2027. That gives the production a long run-up, with the cast and crew not expected on set until the new year after next.

ITV's Polly Hill will oversee the production for the broadcaster. Harry Williams, Jack Williams, Daisy Mount, Sarah Hammond and Lennie James are executive producers. Georgina Lowe is the producer, Cleo Hetherington is co-executive producer, and Kelly Valentine-Hendry is casting director.

Banijay Rights will handle worldwide sales. That means the company will try to sell the series to broadcasters and streaming services in other countries, so it can be seen beyond the UK.

James has a long run of screen work behind him. He won a BAFTA for leading the BBC adaptation of Bernardine Evaristo's novel Mr Loverman. Deadline's report also noted that prize, which places his name among the stronger-known actors in British drama.

No broadcast date or episode count has been announced. Those details usually come later, once filming is underway and the schedule is set.

For viewers, the announcement is a first signpost rather than a finished show. A thriller that starts shooting in spring 2027 will not reach the screen for some time after that.