The jaw-dropping true story behind drama Stonehouse of MP who faked death and abandoned family for affair with secretary

MATTHEW Macfadyen and Keeley Hawes will lead the cast of the new ITV drama Stonehouse.

The three-part series will tell the life and times of disgraced Labour minister John Stonehouse.

It relates how Stonehouse, a high-flying member of Harold Wilson’s Government, vanished from the beach of a large luxury hotel in Florida in November 1974.

He then left a neatly folded pile of clothes as he swam into the sea, intent on faking his own death.

The series will feature BAFTA award-winning and Emmy-nominated Matthew Macfadyen in the leading role and co-starring Keeley Hawes as Stonehouse’s wife Barbara.

The drama will also star Emer Heatley as Stonehouse’s mistress Sheila Buckley, Kevin R McNally as Harold Wilson, Dorothy Atkinson as Betty Boothroyd and Igor Grabuzov.

Speaking of his upcoming role, Macfadyen said: "What happened to John Stonehouse is the stuff of legend.

"I’ve always been intrigued by what motivated him to fake his own death, and leave behind the family he loved and doted upon and a promising political career.

"John Preston’s script truly captures the man and his colourful life and I’m looking forward to taking on his character."

Writer John Preston added: "I’ve always been fascinated by John Stonehouse.

"The story of how he faked his own death and tried to start a new life in Australia under an assumed name is one of the most bizarre true-life tales I’ve ever come across.

"I’m absolutely thrilled that it’s being brought to the screen with such an outstanding cast."

The three-part series will air on ITV with broadcast details to be announced.