Downside School was the perfect location for new David Morrissey ITV drama series
Those who’re looking forward to watching ITV’s much-anticipated drama Gone this Sunday may sense that the setting for this gripping series looks somewhat familiar.
When ITV’s Director of Drama Polly Hill commissioned the gripping, psychological drama from the pen of acclaimed screenwriter George Kay (The Long Shadow, Hijack, Lupin), finding the right atmospheric location was critical.
Starring Eve Myles and David Morrissey the six-part series is set against the backdrop of a prestigious private school, a foreboding forest and the quiet sprawl of Bristol. It didn’t take long for the producers to realise that the perfect location was Downside School, a leading Catholic public school for pupils aged 11–18 dating back to the 17th century and located ideally in Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Somerset.
Gone, is a chilling mystery focusing on local Headmaster Michael Polly, played by David Morrissey (The Long Shadow, Sherwood, Britannia), who becomes the prime suspect in his wife Sarah’s disappearance.
An upstanding member of the community, Michael Polly is inscrutable and likes order and precision in his working life. Until, that is, he encounters super bright, gutsy Detective Annie Cassidy, played by Eve Myles (The Crow Girl, Hijack, Torchwood), and a compulsive game of cat and mouse begins as she chips away at his veneer in search of the truth.
With tension in the air, yet Polly not displaying any emotion, Annie’s suspicions are heightened the more she investigates. Something in her gut tells her all is not what it seems. Could he be capable of murder? And if so – why?
Sarah and Michael’s daughter, Alana, played by Emma Appleton (The Road Trip, The Killing Kind, Lola), is a teacher at the school making their involvement a real family affair.
Beneath the surface of the mystery, lies a deeper exploration of trauma, trust and the legacy of elite institutions.
Gone is a fictional series, partly inspired by the book To Hunt a Killer and the career and work of respected former Detective Superintendent for Gloucestershire Police, Julie Mackay, and ITV Crime Correspondent Robert Murphy who has reported on some of the biggest and most complex cases in the West of England. Both Mackay and Murphy serve as consultants on the series.
“I’m thrilled to be playing Detective Annie,” said Myles.
“Annie is a fascinating character, intuitive, gutsy and doesn’t suffer fools, but she has met her match in Michael Polly who is a formidable adversary played by David Morrissey. It’s wonderful to be directed by Richard Laxton and I can’t wait for the audience to see it.”
Morrissey also expressed his enthusiasm for the new drama series.
“I’m delighted to be reunited with George Kay and the wonderful team at New Pictures,” he said.
“And to be working for the first time with the amazing Eve Myles and Richard Laxton.”
In 2023 Liverpool-born Morrisey received the award of Doctor of Humane Letters (honoris causa) from Liverpool Hope University, during a graduation ceremony which took place at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral.
Born in the Kensington area of the city, 58-year-old Morrisey received the honour from the Catholic university in recognition of his distinguished acting career and his work with social justice charities.
Widely regarded as one of the finest and most versatile actors of his generation, he has starred in TV, film and stage productions over the course of his 40-year career.
He is perhaps best known for playing The Governor in the Emmy award-winning The Walking Dead, and for the role of DCS Ian St Clair in the critically acclaimed BBC drama crime drama, Sherwood.
A Royal Television Society award-winner for his portrayal of Gordon Brown in 2003’s The Deal, Morrissey has worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company on several occasions.
He has been a committed charity campaigner throughout his life as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, a supporter of human rights charity, Reprieve, and as a patron of The Bike Project and The Felix Project.
Commenting on the choice of Downside as the location for the filming of Gone, a spokesperson for the school said it has been an incredible experience for all involved.
“We are very excited that the new ITV thriller Gone, filmed here at Downside School, is set to be released this weekend.
“Filming took place during the Easter holidays in 2025, and a number of our pupils thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to appear as extras on set. Popcorn at the ready!”
Episode 1 of Gone will air at 9pm on Sunday 8th March on ITV1, with Episode 2 following on Monday 9th March – the remaining episodes will air at the same time over the following fortnight. All six episodes of the series will be available to stream on ITVX from Sunday 8th March.
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