TV actress Siobhan Finneran is once again on our screens as DI Liz Nyles in ITV's latest gripping police series Protection - but there's rumours she's dating a star from Death in Paradise. As DI Liz Nyles in 'Protection', Siobhan navigates the perilous world of witness protection, guarding individuals who have risked their lives by testifying against hardened criminals.

The stakes escalate when a murder occurs at a safe house, indicating a potential mole within her team.

As DCI Hannah Wheatley (Katherine Kelly) steps in to investigate suspicions of corruption, Liz embarks on her own clandestine probe, especially scrutinising DS Paul Brandice (Barry Ward), her younger married colleague and secret lover.

the new drama has been released in full on ITVX, with episodes also airing on ITV1.

At 60, Siobhan Finneran brings depth to her character and reveals her research into the intricate reality of witness protection was eye-opening. "Before the series, I knew the basics: people get moved to safe houses and then they're looked after. I didn't realise it became such a relationship between those people," she admits.

"Looking back, I suppose this was naive because the witnesses have to feel comfortable enough to tell the officer everything."

"That said, I don't think anybody really knows about it, because it's all hidden away, as it should be. I know that, within the police force, it's a very separate unit: all their cars are leased to different private companies so you can't trace people, and so on.

"It's not a job I'd ever even think about doing. What do you talk to your neighbours about over the garden fence?".

Off the silver screen, Siobhan is just as discreet with her private life as her on-screen alter-ego. Back in the twilight years of the '90s, she married Emmerdale actor Mark Jordon and had two children together, Poppy and Jordan.

The acting duo stepped away from acting to focus on their family. Despite these joys, 2014 saw the couple part ways, and Mark found new love, marrying Emmerdale co-star Laura Norton.

Recently Siobhan has been making headlines for with Death In Paradise star , who plays DI Mervin Wilson.

While the pair play coy regarding their romance, they have made public appearances together such as strolling hand-in-hand at last year's TV Choice Awards and Siobhan playfully referring to Don as "my fella" during a chat with The Guardian.

In a heartwarming display of affection, Don gifted Siobhan a book showcasing Rudi Hurzlmeier's art for Christmas, highlighting the couple's close connection. Siobhan recounted with amusement how a peculiar piece of artwork led to an unexpected festive surprise from her partner.

"It's a picture of a nun looking in a shoe shop, and a bloke next to her has got his hand on her bum. I showed it to Don [Gilet], my fella, and now one of my Christmas presents is a book of Hurzlmeier's work."

The pair have a history of working together, having both appeared in ITV's 2017 drama 'The Loch', where Don took on the role of psychological profiler Blake Albrighton while Siobhan played DCI Lauren Quigley.

Protection is on ITV1 on Sunday 16 March at 9pm, with all episodes available on ITVX