The Hack ITV: who is in the cast with David Tennant and what time does it start? Full details

• The Hack will finally start on ITV this evening.
• David Tennant leads the cast of the phone-hacking drama.
• But what time is it on and who else is in the show?

The phone-hacking scandal will be the subject of a major new ITV drama. David Tennant leads the cast with plenty of other familiar faces involved.

The Hack, a seven-part series, tackles the true-story of the downfall of the New of the World tabloid as well as the murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan. It will air episodes weekly on terrestrial TV.

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But who is in the cast of the show and what is it about? Here’s all you need to know:

What time is The Hack on TV?

The show is set to be broadcast by ITV and STV in Scotland. It will air weekly on Wednesday nights starting today (September 24).

The Hack is due to begin at 9pm this evening and episodes will run for around an hour, including adverts. For those who can’t wait, the full boxset is already available on ITVX and STV Player.

What is The Hack about?

The seven-part drama weaves together two major real-life stories surrounding the phone-hacking scandal. It is from one of the writers/ creators of Adolescence, Jack Thorne.

ITV explains: “Set between 2002 and 2012, the drama deftly interweaves two real life stories, the work of investigative journalist Nick Davies, played by David Tennant, who uncovered evidence of phone hacking at the News of the World, and running parallel, the story of the investigation into the unsolved murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan, led by former Met Police Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Cook, played by Robert Carlyle. Toby Jones plays former Editor-in Chief of The Guardian, Alan Rusbridger.”

Jack Thorne added: ““This is a strange and deceptive piece of our recent history. One with so many layers to it. I thought, as someone who is interested in politics, I understood everything that happened. I did not. It’s a fight for the truth that really shocked me.

“That is why it matters to tell this story now in an age where the truth seems more in danger than ever. It is a true honour to be bringing this story to the screen alongside David, Robert, Toby, Lewis, Patrick, Joe and Abi. I hope we find a way to do justice to the complexity of what happened and of celebrating the incredible reporting that sits underneath it.”

Who is in the cast of The Hack?

The headline names for the ITV drama includes the previously mentioned David Tennant as well as Robert Carlyle and Toby Jones. Joining the trio is an ensemble cast featuring plenty of recognisable faces, including one of the busiest stars of this early autumn period.

The cast includes:

• David Tennant as Nick Davies
• Toby Jones as Alan Rusbridger
• Robert Carlyle as DCS Dave Cook
• Steve Pemberton as Rupert Murdoch
• Cara Theobold as Amelia Hill
• Rose Leslie
• Dougray Scott
• Eve Myles as Jacqui Hames
• Adrian Lester
• Katherine Kelly
• Kevin Doyle
• Neil Maskell
• Lara Pulver
• Lee Ingleby
• Pip Torrens
• Lisa McGrillis
• Sean Pertwee
• Robert Bathurst
• Richard Pepple
• Nadia Albina
• Phil Davis
• Ace Bhatti
• Charlie Brooks

The first episode also features some surprise cameos during a sequence about Nick’s source - Apollo. It includes Jonathan Ross and Ferne Cotton.

David Tennant is well known for his time on Doctor Who, playing both the 10th and 14th Doctors. He most recently returned to the show for the 60th anniversary specials in 2023.

He is also one of the stars of Disney Plus’ hit historical drama Rivals. David was also on hosting duty for ITV’s Genius Game this year - which was sadly under-watched.

Speaking about his role, David Tennant said: “The story we tell is that he is not an uncomplicated individual. But he’s someone who did something very heroic. I think he is the hero of this tale.”

Toby Jones played the lead role in ITV’s blockbuster hit Mr Bates vs the Post Office - another true-story inspired series. He has had many roles across TV and film throughout the years, including the likes of Hunger Games and Captain America.

Robert Carlyle burst onto the scene with movies like Trainspotting and The Full Monty in the 1990s. He was in the 2023 TV sequel to the latter film, as well as being in Jack Thorne’s other Netflix show from this year: Toxic Town.

Steve Pemberton is best known for shows like The League of Gentlemen and Psychoville. He was also in the first season of Happy Valley and more recently he was in Missing You on Netflix this year.

Eve Myles has had a very busy September, appearing in both BBC’s The Guest and also ITV’s Coldwater. Viewers will recognise Rose Leslie from her stint on Game of Thrones as well as the BBC series Vigil.

Former Coronation Street favourite Katherine Kelly is also set to appear in The Hack. She was in ITV’s Protection earlier this year as well as the recent Channel 4 series In Flight.

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