The newly launched ITV drama series 'Protection' has taken the stage, featuring Siobhan Finneran as Detective Inspector Liz Nyles, who is entangled in the harrowing world of witness protection. The series, which premiered on March 16, 2025, has viewers on edge as it delves deep within the tangled web of crime and security breaches.
Set primarily within the United Kingdom's witness protection unit, 'Protection' explores the pressure-filled life of DI Liz Nyles, who finds herself propelled headfirst when the murder of a family under her watch sends shockwaves through the unit, raising alarming questions about its overall integrity. Nyles begins to suspect corruption not only within the witness protection team but also fears for her own safety as she navigates personal entanglements and professional obligations.
Filming for the series took place across multiple locations including Childwall Wirral, Liverpool, and Southport from July to September 2023. These settings add palpable intensity to the storytelling as they authentically depict the gritty realities of the criminal underworld.
Co-starring Katherine Kelly as DCI Hannah Wheatley, the story unveils the investigation layered with intrigue as Helsey steps in to inspect the rising suspicions surrounding corruption, leaving viewers questioning where loyalty lies. Meanwhile, Liz is not only grappling with professional duties but is also caught up in an affair with her colleague, DS Paul Brandice, played by Barry Ward. This affair complicates Liz’s already tense work-life balance, raising anxieties about what secrets may come to the surface amid the chaos.
Driver of the storyline, the violence committed against the protected family intrudes upon the normality of witness protection, making it painfully clear how fragile safety can be. It’s this shocking turn of events, starting with the initial murder, which compels DI Nyles to question whether she has put her life and the lives of the witnesses at risk because of personal entanglements.
Although 'Protection' is classified as fiction, it finds its roots grounded in reality. The series is inspired by the experiences of a witness protection officer who served within the Metropolitan Police for three decades, engaging with high-stakes cases involving criminals of considerable notoriety. Screenwriter Kris Mrksa highlights this unique perspective: "When the team at New Pictures first introduced me to a former witness protection officer with some incredible stories to tell, it was immediately obvious..." These authentic tales inform not just the structure of the storyline, but also the emotional depth of the characters.
But it's not just the tension-filled narrative and backstory lending realism to 'Protection.' Siobhan Finneran, the star of the show, reflected on her initial ignorance before accepting the role, stating, "I don't think anybody really knows about it, because it's all hidden away as it should be." This knowledge gap makes her approach to playing DI Nyles even more significant.
Veering beyond professional lines, Liz's affair with DS Paul adds layers of wrongdoing at play. This relationship began as passionate but soon unravels as it becomes apparent how their personal loyalties could compromise their professional integrity. Liz's anxiety over her personal life leaking out during investigations places both her and the family she is protecting at risk, underscoring the show's gripping premise.
The series has already sparked conversations among viewers, with many drawing parallels to other police dramas like 'Line of Duty', prompting accolades along with criticisms. Viewers on social media platforms expressed mixed opinions; some praise the complex narrative, labelling it as "possibly ITV’s best crime drama in years!" Others have taken issue with certain scenes, particularly the fictional killing of an animal within the storyline—a controversial topic for many.
Notable viewer comments included remarks on the show's engaging premise and captivating performances, with some teasing its close resemblance to other beloved series. One social media user admitted, "New Line of Duty vibes#Protection,” capturing the essence of the discussion surrounding this new entry to the police drama genre.
'Protection' airs on ITV1 on Sunday and Mondays at 9 PM, with all episodes available for binge-watching on ITVX, allowing fans to explore the intricacies and moral dilemmas faced by those servicing the criminal justice system. With the opening episodes already steaming across various screens, audiences will eagerly anticipate future revelations as Liz Nyles uncovers not just the source of corruption but also the shadows of her own choices.
