Premiering on September 24, 2025, on ITVX, “The Hack” is a gripping and timely drama that delves into two of the most significant and interwoven British news stories of the 21st century. The series meticulously examines the dogged work of investigative journalist Nick Davies as he uncovers the shocking extent of phone hacking and widespread criminality at the News of the World, a scandal that rocked the British establishment, led to the closure of the famed tabloid, and sparked the landmark Leveson Inquiry into press ethics. This narrative is powerfully juxtaposed with the decades-long struggle for justice in the murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan, a case steeped in allegations of police corruption and media connections.

“The Hack” promises to be a tense and atmospheric thriller that goes beyond the headlines to explore the human cost of corruption and the relentless pursuit of truth. It portrays the immense courage of sources, the pressures on investigators, and the dark nexus between the media, the police, and powerful political figures. By weaving these two real-life stories together, the series offers a stark look at institutional failure and the journalists and families who risked everything to challenge it.

The Hack Main cast & characters

1: David Tennant as Nick Davies

David Tennant, born David John McDonald on April 18, 1971, in Bathgate, Scotland, is one of the UK’s most beloved and versatile actors. He achieved international superstardom as the Tenth Doctor in the iconic series Doctor Who (2005–2010), a role that defined a generation of sci-fi fans and one he has reprised to great acclaim. His extensive and acclaimed television work includes his BAFTA-nominated portrayal of the brooding detective Alec Hardy in Broadchurch, his chilling performance as serial killer Dennis Nilsen in the ITV drama Des, and his current role as the charismatic demon Crowley in the Amazon adaptation of Good Omens.

Tennant’s formidable range extends to film and animation, with notable roles as Barty Crouch Jr. in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and as the voice of Scrooge McDuck in the Disney XD reboot of DuckTales. His stage career, particularly his celebrated Hamlet with the Royal Shakespeare Company, further underscores his depth as a performer. Tennant brings his unparalleled talent for capturing intelligent, complex, and driven characters to the pivotal role of Nick Davies, the determined Guardian journalist whose fearless investigative work was instrumental in exposing the phone-hacking scandal to the world.

2: Eve Myles

Eve Myles, born July 26, 1978, in Ystradgynlais, Wales, is a powerhouse performer best known for her emotional depth and compelling screen presence. She rose to international prominence playing the passionate and tenacious Gwen Cooper, the heart of the BBC sci-fi spin-off series Torchwood (2006–2011). Her performance earned her a Saturn Award nomination and established her as a fan-favourite character who anchored the show’s most dramatic moments across its four series and several radio plays.

Beyond her genre-defining role, Myles has proven her versatility in numerous acclaimed television dramas. She delivered a powerful lead performance as lawyer Faith Howells in the Welsh thriller Keeping Faith (2017–2021), for which she won a BAFTA Cymru Award for Best Actress. She has also appeared in period pieces like Victoria and the BBC One crime drama The Pact (2021). Myles’s ability to convey immense strength, vulnerability, and moral conviction makes her a perfect fit for the intense, truth-seeking world of “The Hack.”

3: Rose Leslie

Rose Leslie, born February 9, 1987, in Aberdeen, Scotland, first captured global attention with her fierce and memorable performance as the wildling Ygritte in HBO’s epic fantasy series Game of Thrones (2012–2014). Her chemistry with co-star Kit Harington and her delivery of the iconic line “You know nothing, Jon Snow” became a defining element of the show’s middle seasons. Prior to this, she gained recognition for her role as the resourceful and ambitious housemaid Gwen Dawson in the first season of the global phenomenon Downton Abbey (2010).

Leslie has continued to choose diverse and challenging projects that showcase her range. She starred in the legal drama The Good Fight (2017) and took on the lead role of Clare Abshire in the television adaptation of The Time Traveler’s Wife (2022). Her training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) grounds her performances with a classical rigor. Leslie’s proven ability to portray strong-willed, intelligent, and passionate characters ensures she will be a significant asset to the ensemble cast of “The Hack.”

4: Toby Jones as Alan Rusbridger

Toby Jones, OBE, born September 7, 1966, in London, is one of Britain’s most respected and versatile character actors, renowned for his chameleonic abilities. After training at the École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris, he began a distinguished career often voicing iconic characters, most notably Dobby the house-elf in the Harry Potter film series. He has since appeared in major franchises like The Hunger Games and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Captain America: The First Avenger), while also delivering unforgettable performances in indie films such as Berberian Sound Studio (2012).

Jones has a particular affinity for portraying real-life figures with immense nuance. He earned a BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actor for his uncanny portrayal of Alfred Hitchcock in the HBO film The Girl (2012) and received widespread acclaim for his performance as Truman Capote in Infamous (2006). His extensive television work includes the detective series Detectorists and The Long Call. This makes him ideally suited to portray Alan Rusbridger, the principled and steadfast Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian, who faced enormous political and legal pressure while supporting the publication of Davies’s world-shaking revelations.

5: Katherine Kelly

Katherine Kelly, born November 19, 1979, in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, is a highly acclaimed actress known for her commanding presence in both period and contemporary drama. She is best known to British audiences for her long-running and iconic role as the cunning Becky McDonald in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street (2006–2012), a performance for which she won multiple awards including Best Soap Actress at the 2011 National Television Awards. This role demonstrated her exceptional ability to handle complex, multi-layered storytelling over many years.

Since leaving the soap, Kelly has successfully reinvented herself as a leading lady in serious drama. She delivered a standout performance as the formidable Lady Mae Loxley in the ITV period series Mr Selfridge (2013–2016) and showcased her range in the BBC’s critically acclaimed crime drama Happy Valley (2016) and the psychological thriller Cheat (2019). Her ability to embody characters of great intelligence, ambition, and inner strength ensures her role in “The Hack” will be a pivotal and compelling one.

6: Dougray Scott

Dougray Scott, born November 25, 1965, in St. Andrews, Scotland, is a seasoned actor with a career spanning Hollywood blockbusters and prestigious UK television. He gained significant international recognition for his role as the primary antagonist, Mission Commander Sean Ambrose, opposite Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible II (2000). This role cemented his status as a leading man capable of exuding both charm and menace. Other notable film credits include Ever After (1998) with Drew Barrymore and Ripley’s Game (2002).

Scott has also maintained a strong presence on British television, showcasing his considerable range. He starred as the lead in the crime drama Hit & Miss (2012) and took on the role of the villainous Gavin Parks in the series 2 of Fear the Walking Dead (2016). More recently, he delivered a powerful performance as a detective in the BBC One drama The Control Room (2022). Scott’s experience in portraying authoritative, complex, and often morally ambiguous figures makes him a perfect casting choice for the high-stakes environment of “The Hack.”

7: Robert Carlyle

Robert Carlyle, OBE, born April 14, 1961, in Glasgow, Scotland, is an actor of immense intensity and transformative power. He first came to prominence with his blistering performance as the violent Begbie in Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting (1996), a role that became instantly iconic. That same year, he showcased his incredible range by starring as the gentle Gaz in the heartfelt comedy The Full Monty (1996), for which he won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. His early career established him as a fearless and versatile talent.

Carlyle has continued to choose diverse and challenging projects across film and television. He portrayed the enigmatic title character in the BBC series Hamish Macbeth, the villain Renard in the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough (1999), and Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold in the ABC fantasy series Once Upon a Time (2011–2018). His more recent work includes the TNT series The Last Detective and the Disney+ sequel The Full Monty (2023). Carlyle’s ability to delve into the depths of any character, from the sympathetic everyman to the terrifyingly unhinged, guarantees a captivating performance in “The Hack.”

8: Lara Pulver

Lara Pulver, born September 1, 1980, in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, is an actress and dancer renowned for her elegant and sophisticated portrayals of complex women. She delivered a truly unforgettable performance as Irene Adler in the BBC’s modern Sherlock Holmes adaptation, Sherlock, in the episode “A Scandal in Belgravia” (2012). Her captivating and intelligent portrayal of “The Woman” who outwits Holmes earned her widespread critical acclaim and international recognition. This role highlighted her ability to command the screen with wit and poise.

Pulver’s other significant credits include a starring role as the cunning spy Erin Watts in the BBC spy drama Spooks (2009–2011) and as the ambitious Clarice Orsini in the historical drama The Medicis (2016–2019). She also appeared in the Netflix series The Alienist (2020) and has a prolific stage career, including performances in the West End and on Broadway. Pulver’s mastery of roles that require intelligence, subtlety, and a hint of mystery makes her an excellent addition to the cast of this journalistic thriller.

9: Sean Pertwee

Sean Pertwee, born June 4, 1964, in Hammersmith, London, is a prolific actor known for his distinctive, gravelly voice and his frequent appearances in genre films and television. The son of Third Doctor Jon Pertwee, he has carved out his own highly respected path, particularly within the science fiction and horror communities. He is perhaps best known globally for his iconic portrayal of the steadfast and tough Alfred Pennyworth in the Fox series Gotham (2014–2019), a performance that brought new depth to the beloved character.

Pertwee’s extensive filmography includes cult classics like the werewolf film Dog Soldiers (2002) and the cyberpunk thriller Event Horizon (1997). On television, he has had memorable roles in Cadfael, Ultraviolet, and The Tudors. His commanding presence and ability to portray authoritative, no-nonsense characters, often with a hidden heart of gold, have made him a fan favourite. His involvement in “The Hack” suggests a role of significant gravity and presence.

10: Barry Sloane

Barry Sloane, born February 10, 1981, in Liverpool, England, is an actor known for his compelling performances in both UK and US television. He first gained attention for his role as Niall Rafferty in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks (2006–2010). He successfully transitioned to American television with a major role as the vengeful Aiden Mathis in the ABC drama Revenge (2012–2013), which introduced him to a wider international audience.

Sloane has since returned to the UK, taking on more historical and dramatic roles that showcase his range. He delivered a powerful performance as the Duke of Exeter in the BBC’s historical adaptation of The Hollow Crown (2016) and starred as the lead detective in the ITV crime drama The Bay (2021). His ability to navigate between charismatic charm and intense drama makes him a versatile and valuable member of the “The Hack” ensemble cast.

11: Kevin Doyle

Kevin Doyle, born December 7, 1961, in Bradford, West Yorkshire, is a character actor best known for his role as the long-suffering, kind-hearted footman Joseph Molesley in the award-winning global phenomenon Downton Abbey (2010–2015). His portrayal of the socially awkward but ultimately triumphant character provided much of the series’ heart and humour, and he reprised the role in both subsequent feature films. This role showcased his exceptional talent for comedy and pathos.

However, Doyle’s range extends far beyond Molesley. He has a long history of appearing in serious dramatic roles, including a recurring part as the shrewd detective in the BBC crime series Happy Valley and as a troubled father in the drama The Escape Artist. His extensive stage work includes performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Doyle’s proven ability to handle both light-hearted and deeply serious material with equal skill ensures his performance in “The Hack” will be nuanced and impactful.