Mi6, malta y un escape de filmación: el secuestro de locaciones por el nuevo thriller de itv

Forget beige office blocks and predictable spy gadgets. ITV’s ‘Secret Service’ is a wild, sprawling chase across Europe – and beyond – thanks to a cast relentlessly pursuing the most discreet filming locations imaginable. Gemma Arterton trades Bond Girl glamour for gritty MI6 authority, and the production team? They’ve pulled out all the stops, and then some, to bring this espionage thriller to life.

A hunt for secrecy: where ‘secret service’ was filmed

The show’s creators meticulously avoided obvious settings, opting instead for a dizzying array of locations, from a remote Mediterranean island to the shadowy depths of a forgotten London naval college. Let’s unpack the secrets behind the show’s stunning visuals – and where exactly these clandestine scenes were actually shot.

West london’s family secret

Kate Henderson’s home, the anchor of the series, was filmed in the leafy suburbs of Ealing, West London. Production scouts sought a believable family dwelling, complete with “lots of books, a garden and a big TV,” as one insider noted. A perfectly ordinary facade, concealing a world of espionage.

Nw6: a prime agent’s address

Rev’s residence, a key player in the intelligence network, was located in NW6, a prestigious postcode encompassing Kilburn, West Hampstead, Queen’s Park and Brondesbury. The team clearly spared no expense, securing a property that reflects the lifestyle – and the considerable earnings – of an MI6 operative.

Ryan walker’s luxurious hideout

Ryan Walker’s lavish residence, a rival to Imogen’s, was filmed in Ladbroke Grove, a prime location near Portobello Road Market in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Think soaring ceilings and an impossibly chic kitchen – a testament to a life lived on the edge.

Imogen’s calculated choice

Imogen’s home, however, presented a logistical challenge. The lack of a garden gate necessitated a creative workaround: a strategically placed faux gate was sourced from Acton, seamlessly integrated into the scene. Details, details.

Beyond the walls: the real locations

The Cabinet Office scenes were staged at the Old Royal Naval College, while the Prime Minister’s office and No.10 were captured at Harefield House and John Adam Street respectively. M16 itself? The exterior shots are genuine, but the interior was painstakingly recreated within a 1960s brutalist building in Hayes, utilizing green screen technology to simulate the Thames views. It’s a clever, and undeniably effective, illusion.

Malta: sunshine and sanctions

A significant portion of the series was filmed in Malta, specifically in Valletta, Birgu, Isla and Dingli. The production team faced a considerable challenge, battling budget constraints and the “fight” against time and light, as director James Marsh admitted. But they secured a stunning villa near the coastal cliffs of Dingli, complete with an infinity pool – a true Mediterranean escape. Even the Helsinki and Moscow scenes benefited from a touch of home, with interiors shot in Clerkenwell and exterior shots staged in Victoria and Battersea Park, respectively.

A delicate balance

“We had a brilliant Maltese locations team who found the most incredible villa near the coastal cliffs of Dingli with an infinity pool and numerous outbuildings,” ITV revealed. “We moved to the historic streets of Rabat for the approach to the important meetings in the church, in actual church we found in Senglea.”

The verdict: a thrilling pursuit

‘Secret Service’ premieres Monday, April 27th at 9pm on ITV and ITVX. Prepare for a visually arresting, relentlessly suspenseful journey into the heart of espionage – and a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of how it’s made.