Jodie Whittaker Leads Explosive New ITV Drama In Contempt From Sherlock Team

Jodie Whittaker is returning to ITV in a major new legal drama that will take viewers inside the ruthless worlds of media law, reputation management and breaking news. The former Doctor Who star will lead In Contempt, a new high stakes series written by Sherlock and Vienna Blood writer Steve Thompson.

Jodie plays Olivia Savareid, a successful barrister who has built a formidable career defending the reputations of high profile clients. Her work involves multi million pound litigation and preventing damaging allegations from destroying people’s names across social media.

Olivia also acts as legal counsel to Greg Dalman, the experienced news director of a London daily newspaper. Greg is prepared to push publishing boundaries when he believes a story is in the public interest, leaving Olivia responsible for keeping both him and the newspaper out of libel court.

Away from work, Olivia is also raising a 15 year old daughter. Her carefully controlled life begins to unravel when an explosive situation at work leads to a crucial misjudgement, suddenly putting her own reputation at risk.

Jodie said:

“I am thrilled to be stepping into the role of Olivia Savareid. This is an amazing character in a world I haven’t explored before.”

The drama comes from Hartswood Films, with Sue Vertue and Steven Moffat among the executive producers. Vertue described the series as a drama about “cancellation, online poison and media law”, with characters facing less than 12 hours to stop a headline capable of transforming someone’s life.

In Contempt will be directed by Ed Bazalgette, whose credits include The Last Kingdom and The Witcher, with Lawrence Till producing.

Filming is due to begin in London in autumn 2026, with further casting still to be announced.

The series will air on ITV and STV, with streaming available through ITVX and STV Player.