THE BBC really is the gift that keeps on giving when it comes top notch drama.
BBC One's Blue Lights follows three rookie police officers working in Belfast, and the challenges they must face.
Who stars in Blue Lights?
Siân Brooke as Grace Ellis
Siân Brooke plays the role of Grace Ellis, who has taken up a career in the police her 40s.
Speaking about her character, she told the BBC: "We meet her at a moment in her life where she’s made this huge career change from social worker to police officer.
"I think that decision is hugely informed by the job she used to do and the frustrations of working in that environment.
"She wants to do a job where she can make a difference and be on the frontline of that change."
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Meanwhile, fans may recognise Siân from Sherlock, and Good Omens.
The talented star is also known for starring in Doctor Foster, and Guilt.
Nathan Braniff as Tommy Foster
Belfast native Nathan Braniff plays fellow rookie cop Tommy Foster, and this is his debut television role.
Speaking to the BBC he said: "Coming from Belfast I was already embedded in the culture and the city’s backstory so I feel I had a good understanding and sense of what the producers may be looking for in the character of Tommy.
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"On a practical level I spoke to some members of the community about their perceptions of the police and had conversations with serving police officers."
Katherine Devlin as Annie Conlon
Actress Annie Conlon plays Katherine Devlin in this BBC One crime drama.
Speaking to the BBC, she said: I was so drawn to the character of Annie and knew instantly what type of person she was because I know women like her. I grew up with them and I still know them. They’re class and like no-other.
"Also showcasing other parts of the North that aren’t just Belfast is so important.
"Every place comes with its own spirit and it’s a big part of who Annie is as a person.
Viewers may have seen the talented actress in The Dig, and Vikings.
Martin McCann as Stevie Neil
Martin McCann also stars in Blue Lights playing Stevie Neil.
Speaking to the BBC about his character, he said: "In a strange way Stevie is a lone wolf.
"He’s an introverted extrovert and keeps his private life very much to himself.
"He’s introduced to this new probationer called Grace who he has to take under his wing, and slowly but surely begins to affect Stevie in ways he wasn’t expecting, changing his outlook on what it means to be a police officer in the PSNI and what it means to do the job that he does."
Meanwhile, viewers may know the actor from Marcella, and Sentinel.
Richard Dormer as Gerry Cliff
In Blue Lights veteran actor Richard Dormer plays Gerry Cliff, who is has been a copper for a long time.
Speaking about the role, he told the BBC: "Gerry is a veteran of the job.
"He’s been around a long time and watched all of these guys arrive and watched a lot of people go as well. He’s seen it all, he’s been there and he’s done it."
Game of Thrones fans will recognise the actor, as he played Beric Dondarrion in the hit show.
The rest of the cast includes:
- Joanne Crawford as Helen McNally
- Hannah McClean as Jen Robinson
- John Lynch as James McIntyre
- Jonathan Harden as David ‘Jonty’ Johnson
- Andi Osho as Sandra Cliff
- Matthew Carver as Cal Ellis
- Michael Shea as Mo McIntyre
- Abigail McGibbon as Tina McIntyre
- Valene Kane as Angela Mackle
- Dan Whyte O’Hara as Gordy Mackle
- Nabil Elouahabi as Joseph MI5
What is Blue Lights about?
Grace, a mother of a teenage boy, has made the decision in her 40’s to leave her steady job as a social worker to join the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Having previously worked in social care she straddles a fine line between the personal and professional.
It’s the biggest gamble of her life, and just a few weeks into the job, she’s making so many mistakes that her decision no longer looks like a winning bet.
Her fellow rookies are Annie, who struggles with the fact that her chosen path may mean having to leave everything she’s ever known behind, and Tommy, who is desperate to prove himself, despite being disastrously inept at the practical side of frontline response policing.
All three are new police officers in their probation period with the PSNI, the odds are at least one of them isn’t going to last.
Where is Blue Lights filmed?
Belfast
Blue Lights was shot entirely in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Speaking about filming there, actor Nathan Braniff told the BBC: "I’ve lived in Belfast for most of my life and that was the main draw for me.
"First of all that a show like this was being made in Belfast.
"There have been other police dramas set in Northern Ireland but they haven’t focussed on what makes policing in Northern Ireland so different."
Locations used included Dundonald’s Coopers Mill, and Bangor.
Crews started filming the series back in February 2022.
When does Blue Lights air on BBC One?
Blue Lights kicks off on BBC One on March 27, 2023 at 9pm.
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The whole series will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer from this time.
But if you want to wait, episodes will air on Monday nights at 9pm.
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