The new BBC TV drama, Babies, makes its debut tonight on BBC One at 9pm– a bittersweet love story described as “gripping, warm and urgent.”
The six-part drama centres around a young couple, Lisa and Stephen, who are struggling to conceive, and suffer pregnancy loss. If you’re looking for a tender, emotional drama, it’s definitely one to have tissues at the ready…
Here’s your full guide to the actors and their characters in the series.
Full Babies cast
- Paapa Essiedu as Stephen
- Siobhán Cullen as Lisa
- Jack Bannon as Dave
- Charlotte Riley as Amanda
- Nadine Marshall as Patty
- Gary Beadle as Kevin
- Carla Freeman as Kimberley
- Elizabeth Rider as Jenny
- Ryan McKen as Matt
- Simona Brown as Bella
- Zion Veerapen-Bernard as Daniel
- Lewis Hart as Jim
- Luke Norris as Harry
- Rosie Raven as Ruth
- Arabella Smith-James as Maisie
- Tristan Wright as Charlie
Paapa Essiedu as Stephen
Who is Stephen? An aspiring father and partner of Lisa, Stephen is one half of the couple the series revolves around. “He's an ordinary guy who's having to face some big questions”, says actor Paapa Essiedu.
What else has Paapa Essiedu been in? Paapa began his career as a stage actor for the Royal Shakespeare Company, and has since had major TV roles in Gangs of London, The Capture, and I May Destroy You. He has also appeared in Murder on the Orient Express and Anne Boleyn, and was recently cast as Severus Snape in the new Harry Potter series.
Siobhán Cullen as Lisa
Who is Lisa? The other half of the main couple, Lisa suffers multiple miscarriages and faces a tough grieving period as she tries to deal with the loss. According to actress Siobhán Cullen, she is “struggling with the first grown up obstacle that she's ever had to overcome”.
What else has Siobhán Cullen been in? Siobhán Cullen is an Irish actress who landed her first major screen role in Eoin Macken's horror film The Inside. She has since starred in The Obituary, The Dry, The Long Call, Dalgliesh, Bodkin and series 2 two of BBC legal drama The Split.
Jack Bannon as Dave
Who is Dave? Dave is Stephen’s unserious best friend, who struggles to move beyond light-hearted banter with Stephen, even despite his time of difficulty and loss.
What else has Jack Bannon been in? Jack’s biggest role is likely Alfred Pennyworth in Pennyworth, but he’s also featured in Andor, Pulse, The Darkness, and Endeavour. He’s currently filming Tomb Raider alongside Sophie Turner, which is set for a 2027 release.
Charlotte Riley as Amanda
Who is Amanda? Amanda is Dave’s successful girlfriend – she and Dave are in the early stages of a new, sexually charged relationship but her difficult past is later revealed.
What else has Charlotte Riley been in? Charlotte is known for her roles as Sarah Hurst in Easy Virtue and as Catherine Earnshaw in ITV's adaptation of Wuthering Heights. She has also starred in Peaky Blinders, London Has Fallen, Edge of Tomorrow and Malice on Prime Video, and has been recently cast in the upcoming Masters of the Universe film.
Nadine Marshall and Gary Beadle as Stephen’s parents
Who are Stephen’s parents? Stephen’s mother (Patty) and father (Kevin) appear later in the series as we learn more about Stephen and Lisa’s journey.
What else have Nadine Marshall and Gary Beadle been in? Nadine Marshall has previously had roles in Protection, Waterloo Road, Save Me, and Time, as well as Trigger Point and Silent Witness, while Gary Beadle is probably best known for playing Paul Trueman in over 300 episodes of EastEnders. He’s also had credits in major dramas like Death in Paradise, Casualty, The Bill, Holby City, Andor and Netflix’s The Gentleman.
Babies premieres on BBC One tonight at 9pm, and is now streaming on BBC iPlayer.
