James Norton will be back on our screens in ITV drama Playing Nice

James Norton in Playing Nice, ITV

by Arabella Horspool |
Updated on

After a successful theatre stint portraying Jude St. Francis in the harrowing A Little Life play in London, James Norton will be returning to television in a brand new thriller called Playing Nice on ITV.

The programme is based on the bestselling book of the same name by author JP Delaney and follows the lives of two couples whose worlds are turned upside down when they find out that their toddlers were in fact switched at birth.

The official synopsis for the new drama is as follows: "Living a waking nightmare, Pete (James Norton) and Maddie (Niamh Algar) are jettisoned into the world of the other couple; Miles (James McArdle) and Lucy (Jessica Brown Findlay). At first it seems all four are agreed on a solution, but it soon becomes clear that hidden motives are at play. How far can each couple trust the real parents of their child – or even each other? As Pete and Maddie are stretched to breaking point, they realise they will stop at nothing to keep their family together."

Playing Nice cast

So far, the casting for the Playing Nice drama adaptation includes James Norton (Happy Valley, Grantchester) as Pete and Niamh Algar (Malpractice, Deceit) as his wife, Maddie. The other couple, Miles and Lucy, will be played by James McCardle (Ammonite, Mare of Easttown) and Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey, Harlots).

©ITV

Playing Nice production

As well as taking on a lead role, James Norton has been busy behind the camera, as his new production company, Rabbit Track Pictures, (founded by Norton and co-founder and Managing Director, Kitty Kaletsky, who's known for her work on Rogue Agent) is producing the series along with STUDIOCANAL.

“Playing Nice was the first book we optioned after launching Rabbit Track and we feel immensely proud of the project it has become. To be working with ITV, STUDIOCANAL, wonderful Grace Ofori-Attah, visionary Kate Hewitt, our unbelievable cast and the whole rest of the production team is a huge privilege. We’re thrilled and very excited.”

When is Playing Nice on TV?

Currently, Playing Nice on ITV has no release date other than a general 2024 timeframe. However, filming has been underway, so hopefully, more information will be announced soon!

Playing Nice book

Playing Nice by JP DelaneyAmazon
Price: £19.56

Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who is passionate about theatre, TV and film. She enjoys cooking, scrapbooking and spending time with her pet dogs, tortoise and chickens.

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