[1] The first series of Kidnap and Ransom was written by Patrick Harbinson, directed by Andy Wilson, and filmed entirely in South Africa, including scenes that were set in London.

It was commissioned by ITV and produced by Trevor Eve's production company, Projector Pictures, and distributed internationally by Fremantle Media.

Back in London, King's business partner Angela Beddoes (Baxendale) sends his assistant Carrie (Amara Karan) to South Africa to help him figure out what has happened while placating Shaffer's employer.

It is revealed that Shaffer is now in the hands of a shadowy figure named Willard (Hannah) and his henchmen, who proceed to beat and then execute the original kidnapper for "getting greedy."

Contacting King after the kidnap of her daughter Sally, Shaffer reveals that Willard is now after the work of her husband Philip, who has created an anti-obesity drug that would be very lucrative on the black market.

Meanwhile, Beddoes realizes that it was Shaffer's boss Wickham that told Willard about the existence of Philip's work during his original phone call and alerts the authorities.