ITV The Hack release date, cast, episode count and real life story behind drama

ITV has confirmed exactly when its widely anticipated true crime drama, The Hack, will air on television, and there's not long to wait.

The seven-part mini-series, from BAFTA-winning Adolescence writer Jack Thorne, digs deep into the infamous phone-hacking scandal that led to the shutting down of the News of the World.

The drama unfolds primarily from the perspective of investigative journalist Nick Davies, played by David Tennant, who helped uncover evidence of phone-hacking at the former national newspaper.

Actor Robert Carlyle portrays former Met Police detective chief superintendent Dave Cook, who led enquiries into the unsolved murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan. The story runs parallel with the investigation into the murder case.

In the trailer for the crime series, Tennant says in a voiceover: "My name is Nick Davies and this is a story that ends in seven major police investigations, nearly 40 convictions and some of the most powerful people in this country being brought to their knees."

Carlyle is then seen as Dave Cook and explains the violence surrounding the death of Daniel Morgan, who was killed 15 years ago and no-one has been charged for his murder.

The stellar cast also features former editor-in-chief of The Guardian, Alan Rusbridger, played by Mr Bates vs The Post Office star Toby Jones.

Meanwhile, former Benidorm and Happy Valley star Steve Pemberton transforms into media mogul Rupert Murdoch.

Also joining Doctor Who star Tennant on the ITV series is Dougray Scott (Crime), Rose Leslie (Miss Austen), Eve Myles (Torchwood), Adrian Lester (Hustle), Katherine Kelly (Protection), Kevin Doyle (Line of Duty), Neil Maskell (Hijack) and Lara Pulver (Spooks).

The cast is rounded out by Nadia Albina (Passenger), Phil Davis (Whitechapel), Ace Bhatti (Alex Rider), Lee Ingleby (The Long Shadow), Pip Torrens (Poldark), Lisa McGrillis (Rivals), Sean Pertwee (The Night Caller), Robert Bathurst (Cold Feet) and Richard Pepple (The Rig).

Ex-EastEnders star Charlie Brooks will also feature in the new ITV series.

The Hack is coming to ITV1 and ITVX on Wednesday, September 24