Zahra Ahmadi Takes on Dark New Role in ITV Thriller Betrayal

 Zahra Ahmadi stars in ITV’s high-adrenaline spy drama Betrayal, showing a darker side compared to Beyond Paradise. Premieres 8 February 2026. Read now!

Introduction

Zahra Ahmadi, known for her determined role as Esther Williams in Beyond Paradise, is stepping into a dramatically different world. This weekend, she joins ITV’s new espionage thriller Betrayal, premiering Sunday, 8 February at 9pm on ITV1. Unlike the lighter tone of Beyond Paradise, this series plunges her into high-stakes espionage and complex moral choices.

Alongside Shaun Evans, who plays MI5 operative John Hughes, Ahmadi portrays Mehreen Askari-Evans, a key agent navigating a dangerous game where trust is fragile and threats come from every direction. Fans can expect tension, suspense, and a more intense side of Ahmadi’s acting than previously seen.

This new venture highlights her versatility as an actor, moving from character-driven local drama to adrenaline-charged international espionage. 

Historical Background

Ahmadi rose to prominence in Beyond Paradise, where she balanced humour with emotional depth, creating a fan-favourite character in Esther Williams. Betrayal marks a shift in her career, exploring darker themes within the spy thriller genre—a departure from the cosy Caribbean settings she previously inhabited.

Key Events and Timeline

• Casting Announcement: Early 2025, Zahra Ahmadi confirmed for Betrayal.

• Filming: Mid-2025, on-location in London and international sets, emphasizing high-adrenaline sequences.

• Premiere: 8 February 2026 on ITV1 and ITVX.

• Supporting Cast Highlights: Shaun Evans, Romola Garai, Gamba Cole, Omid Djalili, Nikki Amuka-Bird, and Matthew Tennyson.

The timeline underscores the production’s deliberate pace, allowing actors to develop deeper emotional stakes before filming intense espionage sequences.

Expert Opinions & Analysis

Industry observers note that Betrayal blends traditional spy thriller conventions with personal drama. Evans’ character faces a midlife crisis amid global operations, while Ahmadi’s Mehreen navigates loyalty and danger. Critics suggest this combination adds psychological depth, making the show stand out in 2026’s crowded thriller lineup.

Public Reaction & Social Media Buzz

Fans of Ahmadi took to social media with excitement, commenting on her transition from light-hearted drama to suspense-filled thriller. Many anticipate seeing her perform in high-stakes action sequences, praising the casting as a fresh and bold choice. Viewers also expressed curiosity about the dynamic between her character and Evans’ John Hughes.

Behind-the-Scenes Facts

Ahmadi described the filming as “high adrenaline” yet enjoyable, emphasizing the safe environment on set. The series’ creators focused on realism, blending espionage tactics with personal struggles, allowing actors to explore complex emotional arcs while executing technical spy sequences.

Conclusion

Zahra Ahmadi’s role in Betrayal represents a major turning point in her career, offering fans a darker, more intense performance than Beyond Paradise. The show promises suspense, moral dilemmas, and thrilling action, bringing fresh energy to ITV’s 2026 drama slate.

Will Mehreen survive the deadly games of espionage? How will her story impact John Hughes’ journey? Fans are already speculating, and the premiere this Sunday is set to answer these burning questions.

FAQs

1. When does Betrayal premiere?
Betrayal debuts on Sunday, 8 February 2026 at 9pm on ITV1 and will also be available on ITVX for streaming.

2. Who plays Zahra Ahmadi’s co-stars?
Shaun Evans leads as John Hughes, with Romola Garai, Gamba Cole, Omid Djalili, and others completing the high-profile ensemble.

3. How is this role different from Beyond Paradise?
Ahmadi’s character in Betrayal is darker and more suspense-driven, with intense action and moral dilemmas, compared to the lighter, character-focused drama of Beyond Paradise.

4. What type of drama is Betrayal?
It’s an espionage thriller combining spy missions, personal crises, and complex relationships within MI5 operations, offering high-adrenaline sequences and emotional depth.