The Inspector Lynley reboot airs on BBC One on Monday, January 5 at 8:30pm. Here’s everything you need to know about the cast including Leo Suter and Sofia Barclay
The beloved detective series makes its comeback on Monday, January 5. The Inspector Lynley Mysteries first captivated audiences in 2001, with Nathaniel Parker and Sharon Small starring as Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers.
Tonight, BBC One debuts the reimagined series, now titled simply Lynley, featuring Leo Suter – recognised for his portrayal of Harald Sigurdsson in Vikings: Valhalla – alongside Sofia Barclay, known for her work in Ted Lasso and Prime Target.
Drawing once more from Elizabeth George’s bestselling novels, the revamped show follows the unlikely partnership between DI Thomas Lynley and DS Barbara Havers. Despite their contrasting personalities, social backgrounds and cultural differences, the mismatched pair forge an unexpectedly powerful investigative team.
Reflecting on stepping into a role with an established following 25 years later, Leo, who takes on the part of DI Lynley, commented: “I was not aware of the books before I got the audition for the role of Lynley. But it was such a wonderful discovery to uncover the world of Lynley and the extensive material that exists. It’s such a privilege getting to play a character who already has a devoted fan base.
“I was only 8 years old when the first Lynley series came out on TV, so it was a little before my time. But I really enjoyed watching Nat Parker’s interpretation as part of my preparation for the role. But it did become clear that the Lynley version we were making was going to be quite different – not least by virtue of the fact that our show will be released 25 years later!”, reports the Express.
“I think it’s important to pay respect and homage to the previous version but also to be brave enough to put out one’s own version/interpretation of the character.” Here’s what you need to know about the new Lynley.
Lynley start time
The drama begins on BBC One on Monday, January 5, with the four-part series launching at 8.30pm for a 90-minute opening episode.
The first instalment follows Lynley and Havers as they probe a suspicious death on Salcott, a small estuary island, tracing the path of a valuable piece of artwork that connects them to not one but two crimes. Despite clashing perspectives on their maiden case, they’ll discover they must rely on one another to uncover the truth and earn the respect of DCI Nies.
Lynley cast list
Leo Suter takes on the role of DI Thomas Lynley. Audiences will know Leo from playing Harald Sigurdsson in Netflix’s Vikings: Valhalla.
His previous credits include Young Stringer in Sanditon, as well as appearances in Victoria, Clique and The Girlfriend. Sofia Barclay, known for her roles in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Love Again and Prime Target, as well as Apple TV’s hit show Ted Lasso, takes on the role of DS Barbara Havers.
DCI Brian Nies is portrayed by Daniel Mays, a familiar face from numerous TV shows including EastEnders, Rehab, Red Riding, Ashes to Ashes, Outcasts, Mrs Biggs, Line of Duty, Des and White Lines. His recent credits include The Thursday Murder Club, Bookish and A Thousand Blows.
Niamh Walsh, recognised for her performances in The Revenge Club, Dead and Buried, Good Omens, Smother, The Sandman, Jamestown, and as Cara Martinez in Holby City, plays Helen Clyde.
Michael Workeye, who has appeared in This Is Going To Hurt, The Stolen Girl, Bookish and The Girlfriend, stars as DC Tony Bekele. Joshua Sher, known for his roles in The Undeclared War, Game of Thrones and Vera, plays Simon St James.
How many episodes of Lynley are there?
Lynley is a four-part series, with each episode running for 90 minutes and airing weekly. The second episode of the reboot will be broadcast on BBC One at 8:30pm on Monday, January 12.
The synopsis for the second series reveals: “Lynley and Havers are assigned to a missing person case of a young estate agent with ties to Lynley’s former classmate Helen Cylde, but as the clock ticks station chief DCI Nies pressures them to arrest a suspect.”
Lynley premieres on BBC One on Monday, January 5 at 8:30pm.
