After more than 15 years away, the BBC has brought back Lynley with a fresh, contemporary reboot of Elizabeth George’s bestselling mystery novels.
The new series features Leo Suter (Vikings: Valhalla) as DI Tommy Lynley and Sofia Barclay (Ted Lasso) as DS Barbara Havers, the unconventional detective duo at the heart of the story.
Joined by a talented supporting cast, this reboot aims to capture the intrigue, tension, and character-driven storytelling of the original The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, which ran on BBC One from 2001 to 2008.
And here's everything you need to know about the brand new cast - plus where you've seen them before.
Lynley cast
Below is a list of all the actors and the characters they play:
- Leo Suter as DI Thomas "Tommy" Lynley
- Sofia Barclay as DS Barbara Havers
- Daniel Mays as Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Brian Nies
- Niamh Walsh as Helen Clyde
- Michael Workeye as Tony Bakare
- Rosalyn Wright as Maia Saunders
- Joshua Sher as Simon St. James
- Nadia Parkes as Sofia
- Jack Archer as Frazer
- Eloise Thomas as Cynthia
- Tom Forbes as Gareth
- Oliver Wellington as Leo Hodgson
- Sophie Harkness as Gemma Swift
- Helene Maksoud as Susan Myerson
For more on the cast keep scrolling...
Leo Suter as DI Thomas "Tommy" Lynley
Who is DI Tommy Lynley? Tommy is a highly skilled detective whose talent is undeniable, but his aristocratic background has always set him apart from his colleagues, making him something of an outsider within the force.
What else has Leo Suter been in? Suter is best known for his standout roles as Harald Sigurdsson in Vikings: Valhalla. He has also appeared in acclaimed period dramas, including Sanditon as James Stringer and Victoria as Edward Drummond. Other notable credits include Jack in Clique, Daniel Beecham in Beecham House, and Captain Bill Lauder in The Liberator.
Sofia Barclay as DS Barbara Havers
Who is DS Barbara Havers? Barbara is a sharp, fearless sergeant with a no-nonsense approach and a working-class edge. Known for her maverick attitude, she’s often at odds with authority - and is reluctantly paired with the aristocratic DI Lynley.
What else has Sofia Barclay been in? Barclay is known for her standout performances as Zarina in We Are Lady Parts and Dr. O’Sullivan in Ted Lasso. She has also lent her voice to Malala Windsor/Spider-UK in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and appeared in Prime Target as Safiya Zamil.
Daniel Mays as Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Brian Nies
Who is DCI Brian Nies? DCI Brian Nies is Lynley’s boss, whose long career in the force has given him a keen eye for privilege - and little patience for it. As screenwriter Steve Thompson explained: "He worked boots on the ground, has done the beat, been in uniform for years, and finally got the promotion. And he looks at Lynley and can’t avoid thinking that this guy is just dripping with privilege, and it makes him resentful."
What else has Daniel Mays been in? Mays' movie credits include 1917, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Atonement, and Made in Dagenham, while his TV work features standout roles in Line of Duty, Des, and White Lines. He has also lent his voice to Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget and recently starred in Netflix's The Thursday Murder Club.
Niamh Walsh as Helen Clyde
Who is Helen Clyde? Helen is Lynley’s love interest. The two first met at Oxford, and she now works as an estate agent.
What else has Niamh Walsh been in? She is known for her roles as Verity Rutter in Jamestown, Jenny Ahern in Smother, and Young Ethel Cripps in The Sandman, and has also appeared in Good Omens, The English Game, as well as early-career performances in BBC One soaps Holby City and Casualty.
Michael Workéyè as Tony Bakare
Who is Tony Bakare? Tony is a DC who works as part of Lynley and Havers’s team.
What else has Michael Workéyè been in? Workéyè has appeared inMy Lady Jane, This Is Going to Hurt, and Black Mirror.
Joshua Sher as Simon St. James
Who is Simon St. James? Simon is a forensic scientist.
What else has Joshua Sher been in? Sher has appeared in a range of TV series, including Game of Thrones, The Undeclared War, Casualty, Vera, and Mandy.
Lynley continues tonight on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
