Broadchurch cast now: All the stars you forgot were in it, from Vicky McClure to Jonathan Bailey

Broadchurch is on Netflix now, reviving the hype around one of the best crime dramas ever made – and its extraordinary cast. Created by Chris Chibnall...
Cameron Frew
By Cameron Frew

Broadchurch is on Netflix now, reviving the hype around one of the best crime dramas ever made – and its extraordinary cast.

Created by Chris Chibnall (Doctor Who), Broadchurch sits in the highest echelon of British television.

The first series focuses on the aftermath of a local boy’s death, with two detectives forced to team up to find his killer. Series 2 is a direct continuation, while series 3 introduces another story (and a new victim).

It came to an end in 2017, paving the way for the Broadchurch cast to enjoy enormous success across movies and TV.

Contents

Where are the Broadchurch cast now?

Main cast

David Tennant (Alec Hardy)

David Tennant as Alec Hardy in Broadchurch
Alec Hardy is one of David Tennant’s best roles (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 54
  • Appearances: Series 1-3

David Tennant played Detective Inspector Alec Hardy, Broadchurch’s newest arrival. He’s a frosty, sarcastic figure, troubled by his health and guilt over his failure to solve an earlier murder case. He appears in all three series – and every episode.

Tennant may still be defined by his time in Doctor Who, but he’s gone on to star in a wide range of projects. This includes voice roles in Ferdinand and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, as well as an appearance in The Thursday Murder Club.

He’s been busier on TV, starring in the likes of Criminal, Good Omens, Inside Man, and Disney Plus hit Rivals.

Marvel fans will remember his terrifying performance as the villainous Kilgrave in Jessica Jones (sadly, it’s unlikely he’ll ever return). Most recently, he portrayed Nick Davies in ITV’s The Hack cast.

He has two projects coming up: Hulu’s Standing By, an animated series about guardian angels, and a new Jekyll and Hyde adaptation.

He’s also been married to Georgia Tennant since 2011, and they have five children together. This includes Ty Tennant (who appeared in House of the Dragon), his wife’s child from a previous relationship, whom Tennant adopted.

Would David Tennant return to Broadchurch?

Tennant has addressed the possibility of returning to Broadchurch: in short, he doesn’t think it’s a good idea.

“It’s nice to know that you’re choosing to walk away from something rather than the enthusiasm for it evaporating and having to shuffle off because nobody wants you anymore,” he told IndieWire in 2017.

“For something that’s been such an important part of all of our lives, personally and professionally, I think it’s nice to know that you’ve served it well and you can walk away with your head held high.”

Olivia Colman (Ellie Miller)

Olivia Colman looking tearfully as she leans on a table in Broadchurch
Olivia Colman won a BAFTA for Broadchurch (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 51
  • Appearances: Series 1-3

Olivia Colman played Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller. She has a hard time throughout the show, whether it’s Hardy taking her promotion, having to investigate her son’s best friend’s death, or… things that happen down the line. Colman appears in every episode in all three series.

She was already famous before Broadchurch, having played Sophie in Peep Show and starred in shows like Green Wing and Rev.

However, she won a BAFTA for her work in the show. This paved the way for a Golden Globe for her performance in The Night Manager (which is returning for season 2), and best of all, an Oscar for her portrayal of Queen Anne in The Favourite in 2019.

Colman has been extremely busy since Broadchurch, with TV roles in Fleabag (alongside another member of the show’s cast), Heartstopper, and The Bear.

She has also continued to occupy the big screen, appearing in The Father, Wonka, and most recently, The Roses with Benedict Cumberbatch. She’ll next show up in Wicker, a 2026 romantic fantasy film, and Netflix’s new Pride and Prejudice adaptation.

Colman married Ed Sinclair in 2001, and they have three children together.

Would Olivia Colman return to Broadchurch?

Colman has expressed interest in reprising her role as Ellie Miller… but it wouldn’t be until at least 2028.

“She’d be massive. She’d be too old to have any more babies but she would have enjoyed her cake and casserole, I reckon,” she joked to the Radio Times in 2018.

Jodie Whittaker (Beth Latimer)

Jodie Whittaker standing in a green field in Broadchurch
Broadchurch paved the way for Jodie Whittaker’s career (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 43
  • Appearances: Series 1-3

Jodie Whittaker played Beth Latimer, the grieving mother of Danny, whose body is discovered on the beach in the first episode. She appears in all three chapters of Broadchurch, with her role particularly evolving in series 3.

While Whittaker had major roles before Broadchurch (for example, Black Mirror’s ‘The Entire History of You’), it levelled up her career. In 2017, she was announced to play the Thirteenth Doctor in Doctor Who.

She passed on the sonic screwdriver in 2022, though she made a surprise cameo in the series 15 finale earlier this year.

Since then, she’s appeared in Time series 2 alongside Bella Ramsey, Netflix’s Toxic Town, and ITV’s Frauds.

In her personal life, she’s been married to Christian Contreras since 2008, and they have two children together. Her next project is Dear England, a BBC series starring Joseph Fiennes as former England football manager Gareth Southgate.

Andrew Buchan (Mark Latimer)

Andrew Buchan in Broadchurch
Andrew Buchan will break your heart in Broadchurch (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 56
  • Appearances: Series 1-3

Andrew Buchan played Mark Latimer, Danny’s father, who appears in all three seasons of Broadchurch. He’s a complex character, constantly wrestling with the guilt of failing to prevent his son’s death and his own misdeeds.

Broadchurch led to some superb roles for Buchan. He played Thomas Farriner in ITV’s The Great Fire, Andrew Parker Bowles in series 3 and 4 of The Crown, and Matt Hancock in 2022’s This England.

Most recently, he starred in Netflix’s Black Doves and ITV’s Code of Silence, in which he plays a detective inspector.

Buchan married actress Amy Nuttall in 2012. They have two children together, but they split up in 2022, and he’s believed to be in a relationship with actress Leila Farzad.

Charlotte Beaumont (Chloe Latimer)

Charlotte Beaumont in a plaid shirt in Broadchurch
Broadchurch has been Charlotte Beaumont’s biggest role (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 30
  • Appearances: Series 1-3

Charlotte Beaumont played Chloe Latimer, Danny’s sister, who appears in all three seasons of Broadchurch.

She appeared in Waterloo Road and Midsomer Murders while Broadchurch was airing, before starring in Death in Paradise in 2018 and making a one-off appearance in EastEnders earlier this year.

However, she has done more work onstage, acting in The Lovely Bones, Fair Play, and The Journey to Venice.

Beaumont has two projects coming up: a short film called Ham and an animated film called Unstoppable.

Matthew Gravelle (Joe Miller)

Matthew Gravelle smiling as Joe Miller in Broadchurch
Matthew Gravelle plays an important character in all three series (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 49
  • Appearances: Series 1-3

Matthew Gravelle played Joe Miller, Ellie’s husband and the father of their son, Tom. He’s a pivotal character who appears in all three series of Broadchurch.

Since the series ended, he’s had a long line of TV roles, appearing in Carnival Row, The Accident (alongside Sarah Lancashire), and The Pact. He also had a small voice role in one of Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor Who episodes.

If you’re a gamer, you may have heard his voice in Dragon Quest XI, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and Elden Ring.

Gravelle married actress Mali Harries in 1999, and they have two children together.

Jonathan Bailey (Olly Stevens)

Jonathan Bailey sitting near a beach in Broadchurch
Jonathan Bailey is among the most famous people in the Broadchurch cast (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 37
  • Appearances: Series 1-2

Jonathan Bailey was relatively unknown during his time on Broadchurch, playing local reporter Olly Stevens in series 1 and 2.

However, it’s clear now that it was a launchpad for the rest of his career, leading to his star-making role in Bridgerton. Now, he’s a bona fide Hollywood actor, having co-led Jurassic World: Rebirth with Scarlett Johansson and starred in both Wicked movies as Fiyero.

Most recently, he appeared in Heartstopper season 3 as Jack Maddox.

He was also voted People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2025 – the first openly gay man to receive the title. He came out publicly in 2018, later telling the Evening Standard that he doesn’t want his sexuality to become a “commodity and a currency”.

“I knew that I wanted to be visible about my sexuality, because in all the territories that Netflix goes out in, there might be a boy somewhere that goes, ‘Wait, what?’ Which is what I didn’t have when I was young,” he said.

“All I know is that I’m happy to keep working really hard and if there are opportunities for representation, and to make that point, then that’s something I’ll always strive to do.”

Adam Wilson (Tom Miller)

Adam Wilson standing on a beach in Broadchurch
There’s more to Adam Wilson’s character than meets the eye (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 26
  • Appearances: Series 1-3

Adam Wilson played Tom Miller, Ellie’s son and Danny’s best friend – or that’s what everyone thinks. It becomes clear in series 1 that he’d been having problems with Danny before his murder… but that’s all we can say.

Wilson hasn’t had a busy acting career since Broadchurch. He appeared in Comedy Blaps between series 2 and 3 in 2016, and he played Detective Dave Reichert in an American TV movie about Gary Ridgway, the Green River Killer.

In 2021, Wilson’s former agent was fined after withholding almost £30,000 in earnings. He called for more awareness in acting unions, especially for those new to the industry.

Arthur Darvill (Paul Coates)

Arthur Darvill in his reverend uniform in Broadchurch
Arthur Darvill plays a supportive reverend (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 43
  • Appearances: Series 1-3

Arthur Darvill already had a busy acting career before Broadchurch, in which he played Reverend Paul Coates across all three series.

Notably, he’d starred in Doctor Who as companion Rory Williams. After wrapping up on Broadchurch, he played Rip Hunter in The CW’s Legends of Tomorrow DC series. He later appeared in World on Fire and Netflix’s The Sandman.

He’s a decorated theatre actor, winning a Laurence Olivier Award for his performance in Oklahoma between 2022 and 2023.

Darvill married Inès De Clercq (who had a small role in Broadchurch series 3) in 2015.

Simone McAullay (Becca Fisher)

Simone McAullay with her arms crossed in Broadchurch
Simone McAullay’s character evolves (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 49
  • Appearances: Series 1-3

Simone McAullay appears in all three series of Broadchurch as Becca Fisher, the owner of the local Traders Hotel. At the start of the show, she’s hiding a secret that involves the Latimers.

As her accent would indicate, she’s an Australian actress who’d mostly acted in projects in her home country until Broadchurch. This included Home and Away, in which she played Viv Anderson.

Since Broadchurch, she has acted in The Commons, Netflix’s live-action Cowboy Bebop adaptation, and La Brea.

Carolyn Pickles (Maggie Radcliffe)

Carolyn Pickles in a beige jacket and green shirt in Broadchurch
Carolyn Pickles plays a brilliant character in Broadchurch (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 73
  • Appearances: Series 1-3

Carolyn Pickles appears throughout Broadchurch as Maggie Radcliffe, the editor of the Broadchurch Echo newspaper. She’s a savvy reporter, but series 3 pits her against cutbacks and changes in her industry.

Fans of The Bill should remember Pickles for her role as DCI Kim Reid. She’s been busy since Broadchurch ended, too, appearing in Vera, Casualty, Beyond Paradise, and Grace.

She’s also due to star in a new sci-fi movie called The Awakening next year.

Joe Sims (Nigel Carter)

Joe Sims charging ahead in Broadchurch
Joe Sims plays a suspicious character in series 1 (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 45
  • Appearances: Series 1-3

Joe Sims played Nigel Carter, Mark Latimer’s best friend, who appears in every series of Broadchurch. He’s one of the main suspects in series 1, and he has a shocking connection to another character in the show.

He’s enjoyed a diverse career since Broadchurch, whether it’s a voice role in Dark Souls II, acclaimed performances in BBC radio dramas, or appearing alongside Jodie Whittaker in Doctor Who’s ‘The Power of the Doctor’.

Sims currently hosts the breakfast show for BBC Radio Bristol, and he’ll appear in a new adaptation of Macbeth next year.

Supporting cast

Vicky McClure (Karen White)

vicky McClure wearing a navy suit and standing on a residential street in Broadchurch
If only they could have called AC-12 (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 42
  • Appearances: Series 1

Vicky McClure is one of the most recognisable British TV actors, thanks to her roles in Line of Duty and ITV’s Trigger Point.

While she had notable performances in This is England (and its TV spinoff), Broadchurch hit screens before the second series of Line of Duty and put her on the map.

She only appeared in series 1, playing Karen White, a reporter for the Daily Herald who followed Hardy’s previous murder case.

Line of Duty eventually became a phenomenon, but Broadchurch was hugely popular straight away. “It was a strange scenario because I hadn’t been in something that had that kind of reaction,” McClure told Clash in 2016.

In the years since Broadchurch, McClure has starred in Channel 4’s I Am… Nicola, Alex Rider, Without Sin, and Trigger Point.

She married director Jonny Owen in 2023, the same year she earned an MBE for services to drama and charity. Also, exciting news: Line of Duty is officially coming back for series 7.

Will Mellor (Steve Connelly)

Will Mellor wearing a navy vest and glasses in Broadchurch
Will Mellor plays an anxious psychic (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 49
  • Appearances: Series 1

Will Mellor played Steve Connelly in Broadchurch series 1. He’s a local worker who claims to have psychic sensitivities, telling the Latimer family that it was someone close to them who killed Danny.

Mellor hasn’t had many roles as big as Hollyoaks’ Jambo or Gaz in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. There’s one exception: Coronation Street, in which he played Harvey Gaskell between 2021 and 2024.

He has been busy since Broadchurch, starring in Line of Duty series 3 and competing in Strictly Come Dancing in 2022. In 2024, he played sub-postmaster Lee Castleton in ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office.

David Bradley (Jack Marshall)

David Bradley standing near a post box in Broadchurch
David Bradley has one of Broadchurch’s most emotionally complex storylines (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 83
  • Appearances: Series 1

David Bradley starred in Broadchurch series 1 as Jack Marshall, the owner of a newsagent whose past comes into question after Danny’s death.

Bradley has appeared in some of the 21st century’s most iconic franchises, playing Argus Filch in the Harry Potter films and Walder Frey in Game of Thrones.

Since Broadchurch, he’s starred in The Strain, Doctor Who (as the First Doctor), the BBC’s Les Misérables adaptation, and Gangs of London. Most recently, she had a small role in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein on Netflix.

He has been married to Rosanna Bradley since 1978. They have three children together, two of whom (George and Francesca) work in the film industry.

Pauline Quirke (Susan Wright)

Pauline Quirke wearing a burgundy hoodie in Broadchurch
Pauline Quirke plays one of Broadchurch’s best characters (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 66
  • Appearances: Series 1-2

Pauline Quirke played Broadchurch resident Susan Wright. She has a fraught relationship with the police, especially as the investigation into Danny’s death intensifies.

After Broadchurch, Quirke reprised her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in ITV’s revival of Birds of a Feather. She also starred in Sky’s You, Me and the Apocalypse in 2025.

Sadly, Quirke has since retired due to a dementia diagnosis.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my wife Pauline’s decision to step back from all professional and commercial duties due to her diagnosis of dementia in 2021,” her husband Steve Sheen said earlier this year.

In a recent update to BBC News, Sheen said Quirke is “still funny… she’s talking, she’s happy”.

Her son Charlie also said: “My mum knows exactly who we are. Every time she sees all of us, she smiles, laughs, says ‘I love you’, says ‘hello’.”

Jacob Anderson (Dean Thomas)

Jacob Anderson in Broadchurch
Jacob Anderson is better known as one of the Unsullied (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 35
  • Appearances: Series 1

Jacob Anderson has a small role in the first series of Broadchurch as Dean Thomas, Chloe’s older boyfriend who provides key information to help officers with Danny’s case.

Anderson will be better known for his performance as Grey Worm in Game of Thrones, starring in the series all the way to its divisive ending in 2019. He also appeared in Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor Who seasons as Vinder and the second season of The Sandman.

He’s earned acclaim for his performance as Louis de Pointe du Lac in the BBC’s adaptation of Interview with the Vampire. The show is going onto its third season, so now is the time to catch up.

Anderson has been married to actress Aisling Loftus since 2018.

Charlotte Rampling (Jocelyn Knight)

Charlotte Rampling as Jocelyn Knight in Broadchurch
You’ll be rooting for Charlotte Rampling (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 79
  • Appearances: Series 2

Charlotte Rampling starred in Broadchurch series 2 as Jocelyn Knight, the Latimers’ QC. She’s initially reluctant to take their case, but it doesn’t take long before she’s representing them in court.

Rampling is a decorated actress. She has won acclaim for plenty of performances, whether it’s her collaborations with François Ozon, her Oscar nomination for 45 Years, or her role in both Dune movies.

She’s only had two television projects since Broadchurch: London Spy and DNA. Her film career has been extensive, appearing in Assassin’s Creed, Red Sparrow, and Father Mother Sister Brother earlier this year.

Rampling has been married twice. She was first married to Bryan Southcombe, with whom she had a son, but they divorced in 1976. In 1978, she married composer Jean-Michel Jarre, and they had a son together. They split up and finalised their divorce in 2002.

Her most recent known relationship was with Jean-Noël Tassez, with whom she was engaged until he died in 2015.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Sharon Bishop)

Marianne Jean-Baptiste in a graveyard in Broadchurch
You’ll love to hate Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 58
  • Appearances: Series 2

Marianne Jean-Baptiste is the unofficial villain of Broadchurch series 2, playing the lawyer who defends Danny Latimer’s killer. She has an axe to grind with the British justice system, and she wants to beat Jocelyn Knight.

After Broadchurch, Jean-Baptiste secured a main role in NBC’s Blindspot. She also appeared in the Training Day TV series, Homecoming, and Master of None.

Most recently, she earned worldwide acclaim for her performance in 2024’s Hard Truths, for which she received a BAFTA nomination.

Jean-Baptiste has two children with Evan Williams, whom she’s been married to since 1997.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Abby Thompson)

Phoebe Waller-Bridge in a barrister's outfit in Broadchurch
Broadchurch was a major pre-Fleabag role (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 40
  • Appearances: Series 2

Phoebe Waller-Bridge is one of the most famous stars to emerge from Broadchurch. She only appears in series 2, starring as Sharon Bishop’s junior barrister – and, as one character points out, a “horrible person”.

One year after Broadchurch, Waller-Bridge adapted her one-woman Fringe performance into a BBC drama: Fleabag. It’s widely considered to be one of the best TV shows ever made.

She has also worked as a writer on Killing Eve and No Time to Die, and starred in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

In her personal life, she was married to filmmaker Conor Woodman between 2014 and 2017, with their divorce finalised in 2022. She has been in a relationship with Martin McDonagh (who directed In Bruges and The Banshees of Inisherin) for the past eight years.

Lucy Cohu (Tess Henchard)

Lucy Cohu looking puzzled and stressed in Broadchurch
Lucy Cohu had a brief role in the show (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 57
  • Appearances: Series 2

Lucy Cohu starred as Tess Henchard in Broadchurch series 2. She’s Hardy’s ex-wife, who’s also a detective sergeant with the South Mercia Constabulary.

Cohu has enjoyed an active acting career since the early ’90s, with roles in Casualty, The Bill, and Ripper Street. She’s only had a few roles since Broadchurch, appearing in RTÉ’s Charlie, Death in Paradise, and COBRA in 2020.

She has also acted onstage, recently starring in The Trials in London in August.

Cohu had been married to Corey Johnson, but they divorced in 2005.

Tanya Franks (Lucy Stevens)

Tanya Franks with red hair in Broadchurch
Tanya Franks plays Jonathan Bailey’s mother (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 58
  • Appearances: Series 1-2

Tanya Franks appears in series 1 and 2 of Broadchurch. She played Lucy Stevens, Ellie’s sister and Olly’s mother, who struggles with a gambling habit. However, while she doesn’t always act the right way, she tends to have noble intentions.

EastEnders fans will recognise Franks as Rainie Cross, Ranya Branning’s sister. She’s had on-off stints with the soap since 2007, last appearing in August 2022.

She has also appeared in Vera, Mum, and Silent Witness. Franks is currently in a relationship with Scott Mitchell.

Susan Brown (Liz Roper)

Susan Brown sitting on a sofa in Broadchurch
Susan Brown starred in the best season of Broadchurch (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 79
  • Appearances: Series 1

Susan Brown played Liz Roper, Beth’s mother and Danny’s grandmother, in Broadchurch series 1.

Brown has been busy on British TV in the years since, appearing in Father Brown, Casualty, and It’s A Sin. She also appeared in ITV’s Mr Bates vs the Post Office.

Theatregoers may have also seen her in Angels in America in 2017, for which she earned a Tony Award nomination.

James D’Arcy (Lee Ashworth)

James D'Arcy wearing a sweaty vest in a field in Broadchurch
James D’Arcy has a sinister aura in Broadchurch (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 50
  • Appearances: Series 2

James D’Arcy had a pivotal role in Broadchurch series 2. He played Lee Ashworth, Hardy’s main suspect in the Sandbrook case, who suddenly appears in Broadchurch to find his wife.

It may have been his meatiest role, but he’s had big projects, like Dunkirk and Oppenheimer. He’s also part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, playing Jarvis in Agent Carter and Avengers: Endgame. D’Arcy will next appear in Vision Quest in 2026.

Eve Myles (Claire Ripley)

Eve Myles standing in front of the Broadchurch cliff
Eve Myles is great in Broadchurch series 2 (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 47
  • Appearances: Series 2

Eve Myles starred as Claire Ripley in series 2. She’s introduced as a key witness in the Sandbrook case, tucked away somewhere safe… until Lee Ashworth resurfaces.

It’s one of Myles’ best roles, next to her performance as Gwen Cooper in Torchwood. After Broadchurch, she starred in Victoria, We Hunt Together, and Hijack. This year alone, she’s appeared in The Guest, Coldwater, and ITV’s The Hack.

Myles has been married to Bradley Freegard since 2013, and they have three daughters together.

Amanda Drew (Cate Gillespie)

Amanda Drew standing in front of Shaun Dooley in Broadchurch series 2
Amanda Drew’s character is close to the Sandbrook case (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 55
  • Appearances: Series 2

Amanda Drew appears in Broadchurch series 2 as Cate Gillespie, the mother of Pippa and Lisa, the victims in the Sandbrook case.

Drew has extensive credits since her role in Broadchurch. Notably, she appeared in Chernobyl, Black Mirror season 5 (‘Smithereens’), and Gangs of London.

She’s had five TV projects this year: A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story, The Bombing of Pan Am 103, Lynley, and Bookish.

Shaun Dooley (Ricky Gillespie)

Shaun Dooley standing outside a window at night
Shaun Dooley is hard to read in series 2 (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 51
  • Appearances: Series 2

Shaun Dooley played Ricky Gillespie in Broadchurch series 2, the father of Pippa and Lisa, the victims in the Sandbrook case.

Dooley has had a few movie roles since Broadchurch (Saltburn, The Toxic Avenger, and Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim), but he’s been more active in television.

Some of his biggest projects include It’s a Sin, Innocent, and ITV’s Changing Ends. Like others on the Broadchurch cast, he also starred in Mr Bates vs The Post Office, and he had a small role in Black Mirror’s ‘Demon 79’ episode.

Hollie Burgess (Pippa Gillespie)

Hollie Burgess peaking from a tree and smiling in Broadchurch
Hollie Burgess’ character is part of the Sandbrook case (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 23
  • Appearances: Series 2

Hollie Burgess played Pippa Gillespie in series 2. She doesn’t have a lot of screen time, but it’s a pivotal (and upsetting) role.

She’s had a handful of roles since Broadchurch, appearing in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Top Boy, and, most recently, she had a small part in Grace in 2023.

Eliza Bennett (Lisa Newbery)

Eliza Bennett staring into the camera in Broadchurch
Eliza Bennett is one of several victims in series 2 (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 33
  • Appearances: Series 2

Before Broadchurch, Eliza Bennett starred in two iconic family films of the aughts: Inkheart and Nanny McPhee.

She joined the cast for series 2, playing one of the victims in Hardy’s Sandbrook case.

While Bennett has acted in other projects in the years since (including the Dynasty reboot), she’s also launched her music career. Eight singles have been released thus far, including a cover of ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’.

Julie Hemondhalgh (Trish Winterman)

Julie Hesmondhalgh sitting against a radiator on the phone in Broadchurch
Julie Hesmondhalgh is the main victim in series 3 (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 55
  • Appearances: Series 3

Julie Hesmondhalgh is instantly recognisable, thanks to her lauded 16-year run as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street.

She debuted in Broadchurch series 3 as Trish, a woman raped by an unknown assailant. Hardy and Miller’s investigation is the main plotline of the third series.

Hemondhalgh joined her other Broadchurch alumni in Mr Bates vs the Post Office last year. She has also appeared in The Pact and Alma’s Not Normal.

She married Ian Kershaw, a Coronation Street writer and guest star, in 2005. They have two children together.

Lenny Henry (Ed Burnett)

Lenny Henry in a red shirt and dark grey body warmer in Broadchurch
Lenny Henry is excellent in Broadchurch (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 67
  • Appearances: Series 3

Lenny Henry plays Ed Burnett in Broadchurch series 3. He’s the owner of a local farm shop, and he’s a close friend of Trish.

Henry is a well-known actor and comedian whose credits extend far beyond Broadchurch. He appeared alongside Jodie Whittaker in Doctor Who in 2020, The Sandman, and he played a Harfoot in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

Most recently, he competed in Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters and guest-starred in Alexander Armstrong’s Perfect Pub Walks programme.

Henry was previously married to Dawn French, but they “amicably” divorced in 2010. He’s been in a relationship with Lisa Makin ever since.

Charlie Higson (Ian Winterman)

Charlie Higson wearing a purple tie in front of a whiteboard in Broadchurch
Charlie Higson plays one of series 3’s most unlikeable characters (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 67
  • Appearances: Series 3

Charlie Higson stars in Broadchurch series 3 as Ian Winterman, Trish’s ex-husband, who quickly becomes a person of interest in her case.

Higson has appeared in a small handful of projects since Broadchurch (including ITV’s Grantchester), but he’s more focused on his literary work. Specifically, he was tapped to mark King Charles III’s coronation by writing a special James Bond novel: On His Majesty’s Secret Service.

He married Victoria L. Fullick in 1995, and they have three children together.

Jim Howick (Aaron Mayford)

Jim Howick with a scar on his face in Broadchurch
You’ve never seen Jim Howick like this before (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 46
  • Appearances: Series 3

Jim Howick tends to be a comedic actor. For example, he played Peep Show’s doomed loser Gerard and Sex Education’s Mr Hendricks.

However, he played vastly against type in Broadchurch series 3. When we meet Aaron Mayford, he’s a convicted rapist out on parole who taunts the investigating officers.

In the years since the show’s release, he has wrapped up his time in Sex Education and starred in Ghosts, 3 Body Problem, and the Death in Paradise Christmas special in 2024. Most recently, he appeared in BBC One’s Death Valley.

Sarah Parish (Cath Atwood)

Sarah Parish standing in a car park in Broadchurch
Sarah Parish is a key character in series 3 (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 57
  • Appearances: Series 3

Sarah Parish plays Cath Atwood in series 3, Trish’s best friend, who works at the local farm shop with Ed.

Since Broadchurch, Parish has starred in Industry, Inside No. 9, Stay Close, and she had a lead role in ITV’s Piglets last year.

She has been married to James Murray since 2007. Together, they run the Murray Parish Trust, a charity that raises money for paediatric facilities. They also have two children.

Mark Bazeley (Jim Atwood)

Mark Bazeley standing outside a house in Broadchurch
Mark Bazeley plays a suspicious mechanic (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 55
  • Appearances: Series 3

Mark Bazeley plays Jim Atwood in series 3, a local mechanic who attracts the attention of Hardy and Miller during their investigation.

Viewers may recognise him from his earlier roles in Death in Paradise and Endeavour. He’s since starred in Temple, COBRA, Hanna, and he appeared in Riot Women this year.

Kelly Gough (Laura Benson)

kelly Gough in a beige trench coat in a wheat field in Broadchurch
Kelly Gough has a small, powerful role in the Broadchurch cast (Credit: ITV)
  • Age: 38
  • Appearances: Series 3

Kelly Gough plays Laura Benson, a young call centre worker who comes forward with her own sexual assault report after reading what happened to Trish in the newspaper.

Before Broadchurch, she had substantial roles in Raw and The Fall. In the years since, she’s appeared in Call the Midwife, Marcella, and Grace alongside other stars from the show.

Read more: Where Broadchurch was filmed and the dark history of its real-life beach 

Broadchurch is available to stream on Netflix and ITVX.