Blue Lights is back with the Belfast police force facing another dangerous organised crime gang, and series 3 introduces some famous faces to the cast list.

The popular BBC One police drama is finally back on our screens with new episodes, after what feels like a very long wait, but has actually only been a year or so.

As the new series begins, police recruits Grace, Annie and Tommy are now seasoned response officers. But nothing can prepare them for the challenge of taking on an organised crime gang with links to the wealthy elite.

In episode 1, the arrest of young drug dealer Sandy McKnight begins to expose a criminal conspiracy involving every level of Belfast’s society – from wealthy businesswoman Dana Morgan to vulnerable teenager Lindsay Singleton.

Here’s a deep dive into the new cast of Blue Lights series 3, as well as a reminder of our favourite returning characters.

Blue Lights series 3 new cast list: Michael Smiley stars as Paul ‘Colly’ Collins

Belfast-born actor Michael Smiley, 61, joins the cast of the BBC One police drama as Intelligence Department cop (aka C3) Paul ‘Colly’ Collins. He arrives to take over the uniformed police’s investigation when they arrest Sandy McKnight, a man they were surveilling. And it turns out he has history with Inspector Helen McNally.

Michael Smiley started his stage career as a stand-up comedian, before moving into films and TV. He made his very first screen appearance in the 1989 Pierce Brosnan film The Heist, before going on to appear in multiple TV series such as Murder Prevention, Bleak House, and Wire in the Blood.

Between 2010 and 2019, the actor starred as Benny ‘Deadhead’ Silver in the cast of Luther. More recently, he played morally dubious neighbour Roger Muldoon in Bad Sisters. Just this year, Michael portrayed Schmuel in Alien: Earth. Other notable roles other the years have included Wrollen in Generation Z, Ward Clancy in Obituary, DS Finlay in Ragdoll, and Justin ‘Dinger’ Bell in Bloodlands.

Michael’s multiple film roles have included Kill List, Free Fire, The Lobster, The Other Boleyn Girl, The Nun, and Rogue One. 

Viewers might like to know that Michael shared a flat with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in the 90s, with whom he appeared in the film The World’s End, and Shaun of the Dead (as an uncredited zombie!). He now lives with his second wife, journalist and broadcaster Miranda Sawyer. He has four children.

Cathy Tyson portrays Dana Morgan

Legendary TV and film actress Cathy Tyson portrays private members’ club owner Dana Morgan in the cast of Blue Lights series 3. Dana is a “new powerful figure on the criminal side”, who has a “sociopathic aspect to her personality”.

Surrey-born Cathy Tyson has been on our screens for more than 40 years. Her first ever TV role was as Joanna in the 1984 TV series Scully, but it was her next role that catapulted her to global fame. Two years later, in 1986, Cathy portrayed sex worker Simone in the award-winning film Mona Lisa, opposite Bob Hoskins. She was just 21.

After Mona Lisa, Cathy starred in the Wes Craven 1988 horror film The Serpent and the Rainbow. But it was another sex worker role which returned her to the spotlight in 1995. She starred as Carol Johnson in the hugely successful ITV drama series Band of Gold. The series ran from 1995 to 1997, and also starred Samantha Morton, Geraldine James, and Barbara Dickson. The spin-off, simply titled Gold, aired in 1997.

Cathy also played Steph McKenzie in the soap Night and Day, Miss Gayle in Grange Hill, and single mum Andrea Hayworth in Emmerdale. She’s popped up in McDonald & Dodds, Maternal, The Sandman, and Wolfe, too.

In 2021, she played Polly in the heartbreaking Covid drama Help, starring Jodie Comer and Stephen Graham – later to be her co-star in Boiling Point. In 2023, Cathy was cast as Carly’s mum Vivian in the TV spin off of the film set in a stressful restaurant kitchen.

More recently, Cathy has portrayed Doris Mathis in the Apple TV+ series Criminal Record, Kath Olivier in Vera, Raquella Berto-Anirul in Dune: Prophecy, and Jacqueline StClair in Death in Paradise. All the best shows!

Blue Lights series 3 new cast list: Charlie Maher stars as Donal Fogerty

Actor Charlie Maher stars as Donal Fogerty in Blue Lights series 3. But he’s not actually new. Fans of the police crime drama will know that Charlie first played the criminal in series 1, before returning in series 2. However, he takes a more central role in the latest episodes.

And don’t be fooled by his uncanny resemblance to likeable comedian John Bishop… Fogerty is a nasty piece of work, who runs the murky criminal gang. But he’s just the monkey, not the organ grinder.

Charlie was named as one of 50 talent to watch in 2024 by The Irish Times. His role in Blue Lights is arguably his biggest role to date, and he’ll soon appear in the crime drama Borderland.

Other notable roles include Dr O’Dowd in the BBC adaptation of Sally Rooney’s Conversation with Friends, and William Garnet in Queens of Mystery. He also played Con in Black Narcissus, and Charles Lindbergh in The Titans That Built America. He’s been in multiple films, too, including All You Need Is Death, Ten Dates, Who We Love, As Luck Would Have It, and Animals.

Blue Lights series 3 new cast list: Abigail McGibbon returns as Tina McIntyre

Like Fogerty, Abigail McGibbon’s Tina McIntyre has played a part in Blue Lights before. She has also appeared in series 1 and series 2 on the criminal side of things. Blue Lights aficionados will know the McIntyre family very well. In series 1, the family ruled the roost – until being bought down by the Belfast police. Her husband  James, played by John Lynch, is currently in jail. As is her son Mo McIntyre.

The family were responsible for the death of beloved police officer Gerry Cliff. When Gerry stumbled upon a McIntyre drugs-for-arms deal, gangster Sully shot him dead. So, no, we don’t like them very much. In series 3, Tina wants to wrangle back control from Fogerty and his bosses.

Before Blue Lights, actress Abigail was best known for her roles in the films H3, St Mungo’s, and Ballywalter. More recently, she’s played Paula in The Power of Parker, and Maggie in The Lovers.

Aoife Hughes plays Lindsay Singleton

Irish actor and young rising talent Aoife Hughes plays vulnerable Lindsay Singleton. She plays a crucial role in Blue Lights series 3, and has a connection to Grace’s past.

Aoife is best known for her leading role as Bea in both seasons of the BAFTA-nominated series Silverpoint. The CBBC show aired between 2022 and 2023, and followed four kids who vanished in Silverpoint Woods. 

More recently, Aoife played Daughter One in Say Nothing, and Rachel Mullan in Hope Street. She’s been in two films, including The Christmas Break, and A Christmas Star – which was her very first screen role.

Lorcan Cranitch plays Shane’s dad Harry Bradley

Dublin-born actor Lorcan Cranitch, 66, joins the cast as Shane’s dad Harry Bradley in episode 5 and 6. He’s been on our screens for nearly 5o years, having made his first TV appearances in 70s/80s series such as Bergerac, and The Spike.

Fans of gritty, Irish dramas might remember him for playing the morally ambiguous DCS Jackie Twomey in Bloodlands. He played the boss of James Nesbitt‘s character DCI Tom Brannick – aka Goliath – in two series between 2021 and 2022.

Actor Lorcan is probably best known for playing Sean Dillon in the BBC series Ballykissangel. He’s also famous for playing DS Jimmy Beck in the ITV series Cracker, Michael McCready in McCready and Daughter, and Erastes Fulmen in Rome.

More recently, Lorcan played Detective Superintendent Howlett in Bad Sisters, and Colin McGrath in Silent Witness.

Main cast returning in Blue Lights series 3: Siân Brooke as Grace Ellis

Siân Brooke has portrayed fan-favourite Grace Ellis in the crime drama since its launch in 2023. Grace is a former new recruit, who is now two years in – but it doesn’t get any easier. She’s a former social worker who wears her heart on her sleeve, and is in a relationship with colleague Stevie.

Staffordshire-born Siân has been on our screens 2002, when she played Krista in dinosaur drama Dinotopia. She later went on to play Laura in Rik Mayall comedy All About George, and Lori in the 2007 drama Cape Wrath.

The Welsh TV star, 45, has also popped up in the likes of A Touch of Frost, Foyle’s War, Hotel Babylon, The Fixer, Midsomer Murders, Vexed, and Doc Martin.

More recently, TV viewers will recognise Siân Brooke from her role as Megan McKee in No Return, opposite Sheridan Smith. She is also known for playing Karen Newman in Trying, and the ill-fated heir-producing Queen Aemma Arryn in House of the Dragon.

She played Cressida Dick in the hard-hitting drama Stephen, Claire McCall in Guilt, and Deirdre Young in Good Omens.

Other notable roles include Eurus in Sherlock, Sophia Cracroft in The Terror, Siân in Doctor Foster, Natalie Brown in The Moorside, and Martine in Not Safe for Work.

She’s appeared in multiple films including Body of Water, The Cure, Radioactive, and Pond Life. Siân has also appeared in dozens of theatre productions, and radio shows.

Martin McCann returns as Stevie Neil

Northern Irish actor Martin McCann, 42, reprises his role as Stevie Neil in Blue Lights series 3, having been part of the squad since series 1 in 2023. Fans love him, and so do his colleagues. He always manages to crack a joke, even when times are tough – which they often are. He’s in a relationship with Grace, after they got together at the end of series 2.

Actor Martin has been on our screen since 1998, when he played a young joyrider in the short film The Rules of Golf. He soon went on to appear in one episode of Pulling, before joining the sketch show Dry Your Eyes. He played various characters in series 1 and 2, which aired between 2006 and 2007.

In 2010, Martin played Cpl. R.V. Burgin in the brilliant Emmy-winning war series, The Pacific, produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. Two years later, he portrayed Conor McCann in the TV mini-series Titanic: Blood and Steel.

Other notable roles include Randolph Corbett in The Bastard Executioner, Alvarez in the Jamie Dornan thriller The Fall, and Jack Madden in a 2017 episode of Vera.

In 2017, Martin starred as Renquist in The Frankenstein Chronicles, alongside Sean Bean, and Anna Maxwell Martin. In fact, Martin starred opposite Frank Blake, who joined the cast of Blue Lights series 2 as Shane Bradley.

A year later, Martin played Frank Blessing in Death and Nightingales, before playing Cormac in Temple. Marcella fans may well recognise Martin as Bobby Barrett in the last series of the ITV Anna Friel thriller.

More recently, he played Keon in On the Edge, Wee Pat McClure in Say Nothing, and ‘villain’ John Shagan in Netflix’s Hostage.

Nathan Braniff stars as Tommy Foster

Belfast-born actor Nathan Braniff returns as Tommy Foster in series 3 of Blue Lights. He’s a thoroughly decent chap, who likes to keep to the rules. He’s in a relationship with fellow police officer Aisling Byrne.

Nathan is a wee baby compared to some of his TV counterparts. Blue Lights was his first ever TV role. Although he has done lots of local theatre.

Talking about the new series, Nathan said: “This time the script really goes under the microscope of his relationships with Annie and Aisling who is now his girlfriend. It also focuses on the job and the pressure it can put on your relationships.”

Shane Bradley Frank Blake

West Ireland-born Frank Blake, 29 portrays cocky officer Shane Bradley in Blue Lights on BBC One. The actor joined the cast at the beginning of series 2, which started in April 2024. He returns in the upcoming series 3. This time, Shane proves that he isn’t always happy to play by the rules…

Frank may have won a role in series 2 of Blue Lights, but he was turned away for series 1. The actor admitted he auditioned for the first series, which aired in 2023.

The Irish actor has been on our screens since 2017, when he appeared in the short film Inside I’m Racing. That same year, Frank won the high-profile role of Constable Pip Bircher in the Sean Bean series The Frankenstein Chronicles. He went on to portray Conor Corcoran in Resistance, before landing a role in the acclaimed HBO drama Game of Thrones. He played a Northern Sentry in one episode of the series in 2019.

In 2020, Frank won arguably his most prestigious role to date, when he starred as Alan in the record-breaking Normal People. Anybody who watched it – and it was streamed by a whooping 23 million viewers – will probably despise his character. Frank played Marianne’s bully brother Alan, who tormented her whenever she was at home. He admits he felt “awful” filming the scenes opposite his co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones.

The actor went on to play Harry in Bridgerton, and Madden in Invasion. He subsequently secured another impressive part. In 2022, he starred as Captain Declan Fraser in period drama Sanditon. Fans will know that Fraser was one of the nicer redcoats – a gentleman, who fell for and ultimately proposed to Alison. Unlike his Normal People character, Fraser was an absolute darling.

Other notable Frank Blake roles include Birger in Vikings: Valhalla and, more recently, Sean McGuire in detective series Blackshore. After his role in Blue Lights, he played Seamus Wright in Say Nothing, opposite his Blue Lights co-star Martin McCann.

His film roles include Marcus in 2023’s Double Blind, and Doctor Murray in the comedy The Bright Side.

Blue Lights regular cast list: Andi Osho plays Sandra Cliff

Comedian and actress Andi Osho, 52, returns as Sandra Cliff in Blue Lights series 3. Of course, fans will know her husband Gerry was shot dead in shocking scenes in series 1. Sandra is the heart of the police response officers. She looks out for the team, and has a “really difficult job which is much more complex than everyone appreciates”.

Andi came to fame as a stand-up comedian, but she’s been acting ever since 2002 when she started popping up in various episodes of TV shows including Waking the Dead – as another copper! – Casualty, Lewis and EastEnders. In 2018, she won the role of Rochelle in the acclaimed Sarah Lancashire series Kiri.

She went on to play Jenny Donahue in Curfew, Carrie in I May Destroy You, and Simon in Stay Close. Line of Duty fans may remember her as murder victim Gail Vella in 2021.

Other notable roles include Simona Farr in Harlan Coben‘s Stay Close, Susie in Breeders, Miranda Walker in The Sandman, Pam in You & Me, and Nicky Bowman in Sex Education. In 2023, Andi played DI Jean Royce in the ITV thriller Payback. 

Joanne Crawford stars as Inspector Helen McNally

Actress Joanne Crawford returns as Helen McNally in series 3 of the BBC crime drama. As Inspector, Helen has a “bird’s eye view” of what the police response squad are up against. The actress tells us: “At the start of series 3, we’re pretty much straight into a view of Belfast with a different drug clientele and it hits the response team quite hard.”

Joanne has been on our screens since 2001. But her role in Blue Lights is arguably her biggest role to date. Before appearing in the Belfast-based show, she was probably best known for playing Joan Jennings in Jamie Dornan thriller The Fall, and Fairbank’s Solicitor in Line of Duty.

Other significant roles have included Rachel Sullivan in Chosen, Annie McGann in Red Rock, and Sr Benedict in Resistance. More recently, she’s played Dr Kennedy in Dead and Buried, and Lady Margaret Nairne in Outlander: Blood of My Blood. She’s been in multiple films, including Small Things Like These, Sacrifice, We Have Always Lived in the Castle, and Mammal. 

Dearbháile McKinney portrays Aisling Byrne

Northern-Irish actress Dearbháile McKinney returns as Aisling Byrne in Blue Lights. She first joined the cast at the end of series 1, having caught Tommy’s eye. In series 2, she joined the Belfast response team, and started dating Tommy. She’s popular with the viewers and, like Grace, has a lot of heart. In series 3, she witnesses something so traumatic, her colleagues worry about her welfare.

Dearbháile McKinney is most famous for her role in Blue Lights, having previously appeared in episodes of Derry Girls – as Wee Aunt Sarah – Fate: The Winx Saga, Malpractice, and Murder Most Puzzling.

Katherine Devlin plays Annie Conlon in the cast of Blue Lights

Last but by no means least is Annie Conlon, played by Katherine Devlin. Like Grace and Tommy, Annie started as a new recruit in series 1 – and quickly found her life in danger when gang members threatened her life. She hasn’t been able to return home since. However, series 3 sees her face the demons of the past.

Like her co-star Nathan Braniff, Northern-Irish actress Katherine is a relative newcomer to the small screen. Blue Lights was her big breakthrough.

However, since series 1 in 2023, Katherine has gone on to play Emma Stoke in one episode of The Day of the Jackal. She’s also played Natasha in an episode of Vikings, and Siobhan in the film The Dig.

Seamus O’Hara returns as Lee Thompson

Northern Ireland actor Seamus O’Hara, 35, returns as Lee Thompson in the cast of Blue Lights series 3. Of course, fans of the crime drama will know he was the main antagonist of series 2.

Lee Thompson was a former soldier and a pub owner from east Belfast who became embroiled in a loyalist feud and drug gang activity on the Mount Eden Estate. He attempted to take control, but was eventually displaced – although he was never caught by the police who didn’t have enough evidence to arrest him.

We’re not going to leak any spoilers here about his involvement in series 3. Suffice to say, he pops back up again at a key moment.

Seamus is also known for playing Anthony ‘Mackers’ McIntyre in the drama Say Nothing. The series spans four “tumultuous decades” during The Troubles in Northern Ireland. He can currently be seen portraying Patrick Cochrane in Netflix series House of Guinness.

Other notable roles include O’Leary in Sherlock & Daughter, Sergeant Halsov in Shadow and Bone, Eddie McNulty in Hope Street, and Fergus in Game of Thrones. Early roles included Davey Hanlon in My Mothers and Other Strangers, and Gary Meadows in 6Degrees.

Who else stars in the crime drama?

Conor Mullen portrays dodgy accountant George McLelland. The Dublin-born actor is best known for playing David Hamilton in Mr Bates vs. The Post Office, Frank Ahern in Smother, and Garda Supt. Kevin Dunne in Red Rock.

Other notable TV appearances have included his roles in Soldier Soldier, Badger, Island at War, ad Rig 45. Between 2007 and 2008, Conor starred as Stuart McElroy in Holby City.

Andrea Irvine stars as Chief Superindendent Nicola Robinson. Before appearing in Blue Lights across the three seasons, she was best known for playing Garda Det. Angela Tyrell in Red Rock. Andrea also played Roisin Hastings in Line of Duty, Det. Garda Moya O’Donnell in DDU, and a District Judge in The Fall. So, she’s used to playing the law!

Nick Dunning plays Andrea’s husband and former judge Richard Robinson. Richard is best known for portraying Thomas Boleyn in The Tudors. Viewers will also know him as Derek Foster in Medics, and Lupo Mercuri in Da Vinci’s Demons. More recently, the actor played Roger Denholm in Dalgliesh, Richard Bainbridge in Harry Wild, and Hugill in The Hardacres. Eagle-eyed viewers may have noticed that Richard – yes the husband of the Chief Superindendent – is also a member of Dana’s private members’ club. Make of that what you will.

Karen Hassan stars as Andrea Bunting. Hope Street fans will know the Northern-Irish actress as DC Jo Lipton. She’s also famous for playing Lisa McCoy in Soft Border Patrol, Annie Brawley in The Fall, and Therese in Vikings. 

Karen is arguably most famous for playing Lynsey Nolan in Hollyoaks and Hollyoaks Later, a role she played on and off from 2008 to 2013.

Does actress Angela Griffin direct Blue Lights?

Yep, former Corrie star Angela Griffin does direct series 3 of Blue Lights, alongside Jack Casey. Angela directed episodes 4, 5, and 6, taking over from director Jack Casey, who helmed the first three episodes. 

Of course, she is best known as an actor. She’s most famous for playing Fiona Middleton in Coronation Street, Jasmine Hopkins in Holby City, and Kim Treneman in Waterloo Road. 

She’s certainly not the first actor to turn to directing. Just look at EastEnders’ Susan Tully, who is now way more famous for being behind the camera.

Talking to the Belfast Telegraph, Angela admitted she experienced “imposter syndrome” when she joined Blue Lights as a director.

Full cast list of Blue Lights series 3:

Sian Brooke stars as Grace Ellis.

Martin McCann plays Stevie Neil.

Michael Smiley joins the cast as Paul ‘Colly’ Collins.

Nathan Braniff returns as Tommy Foster.

Frank Blake is Shane Bradley.

Joanne Crawford plays Inspector Helen McNally.

Dearbhaile McKinney stars as Aisling Byrne.

Katherine Devlin comes back as Annie Conlon.

Andi Osho stars as Sandra Cliff.

Charlie Maher stars as Donal Fogerty.

Aoife Hughes joins the cast as Lindsay Singleton.

Cathy Tyson plays new cast member Dana Morgan.

Michael Smiley portrays Paul ‘Colly’ Collins.

Lorcan Cranitch plays Shane’s dad Harry Bradley.

Seamus O’Hara returns as Lee Thompson.

Abigail McGibbon returns as Tina McIntyre.

Conor Mullen portrays accountant George McLelland.

Andrea Irvine is Nicola Robinson.

Nick Dunning plays Richard Robinson.

Karen Hassan as Andrea Bunting.

Game of Thrones’ Neil Keery plays the often hilarious Sergeant Laurence McCloskey.

Ballykissangel actor Frankie McCafferty plays Barney Nugent.

Newcomer Jack McBride-Marshall plays Sandy McKnight.

Benidorm’s Julian Moore-Cook stars as DCI Damien Marshall.

Malpractice‘s Matthew Forsythe is Aodhan McAllister.

Teenage Cics’ Paula McFetridge portrays Marian.

Hope Street’s Debra Hill stars as Mary Quigley.

Stephen Kelly is Pete Maginn.

Drama’s Sophia Adli portrays Dr Kerbash.

Injustice’s Mary O’Loan stars as Ro.

Eureka Street’s Vincent Higgins plays Bobby.

Orla Mullen – aka DS Rosalin MacFarlene in Marcella – plays Roisin O’Boyle.

Grantchester‘s Pauls Storrs is Ciaran O’Boyle.

Hope Street’s Patrick McBrearty portrays John O’Boyle.

The Fall’s Antoinette Morelli is Annie’s mum Bridie Conlon.

Clean Sweep’s Aoibhéann McCann stars as Geraldine Gilroy.

Soft Border Patrol Patrick Buchanan as Chief Inspector Gavin Bunting.

Northern Ireland comedian Micky Bartlett makes a cameo as a drunk man in episode 1.

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Blue Lights lands on BBC One on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 9pm, and as a boxset on iPlayer.