She's back! Sheridan Smith returns to our screens this evening, ready to deliver five weeks of nail-biting drama and tension, as she leads the cast of new series The Cage.
Smith stars alongside Michael Socha as a pair of casino workers, who are driven by drastic action to rob the safe of the casino they work in, bringing them together and plunging them into the dark underworld of Liverpool's crime scene.
The Cage kicks off at 9pm tonight on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, ideal for end of the weekend watching and thanks it's very recognisable and talented cast, you're in for a real treat this evening.
And before the show starts, here's everything you need to know about The Cage's characters and the actors who play them.
Meet the cast of The Cage
Sheridan Smith as Leanne
Who is Leanne? Leanne is a single mother to two teenage children, and works as a cashier in a casino. At the same time she's also looking after her Nanna who has dementia, and will be going into care, and Leanne is risking losing her home, which pushes her into drastic action. Sheridan describes Leanne both as "strong" and "like a lioness", but also reveals Leanne is "vulnerable" and "feels things deeply".
What else has Sheridan Smith been in? Where do we begin with Sheridan? Most recently she's been smashing it in a series of intense dramas from I Fought The Law to The Teacher and Four Lives. But you also may know her from playing Rudi in Gavin & Stacey, or for taking on the iconic role of Cilla Black in the series Cilla.
Michael Socha as Matty
Who is Matty? Matty is the manager of the casino where Leanne works. He's a gambling addict and an alcoholic. He also has a teenage daughter whose mother he's separated from. Michael says of Matty, "He’s not doing himself any favours. Everybody is against Matty, including himself."
What else has Michael Socha been in? Michael is perhaps best known for his role in This is England, as well as Being Human and Once Upon a Time. More recently he's starred in series such as Toxic Town, Showtrial, and DI Ray.
Geraldine James as Nancy Packer
Who is Nancy Packer? Nancy is the casino's glamorously dressed owner. The loss of her husband eight years ago has had an extreme impact on her and as Geraldine says of the character, "She can't quite get herself into the present tense. She's quite complicated and very emotional."
What else has Geraldine James been in? Geraldine has been a mainstay on our screens for years and has had major roles in Anne With An E, The Jewel in the Crown, The Sherlock Holmes movies, Calendar Girls and many, many more.
Barry Sloane as Gary Packer
Who is Gary Packer? Gary is the son of Nancy and as described by Barry is a "a very dangerous man who likes to keep everyone in check." As the series progresses we see him lose his grip on his empire.
What else has Barry Sloane been in? Barry Sloane is best known for starring in TV series including DCI Banks, Pleasureland, and Revenge. We'll also be seeing a lot more of him soon as he's expected to star in the third season of House of The Dragon.
Sophie Mensah as Detective Sergeant Fen Ning
Who is Detective Sergeant Fen Ning? DS Fen Ning is a detective who suspects (and is technically right) that there is criminal activity going on in the casino. She also for some unknown reason has it in for Gary.
What else has Sophie Mensah been in? Sophie is best known for starring in Welsh language series Pobol Y Cwm, where she played Maya. She's also starred in Hollyoaks, and All Creatures Great and Small.
Freya Jones as Emily
Who is Emily? Emily is the daughter of Matty. He's no longer with her mother and Emily and Matty have a difficult relationship.
What else has Freya Jones been in? The Cage is Freya's TV debut, she previously starred in the movie Bolan's Shoes.
Anton Bibby as Thomas
Who is Thomas? Thomas is Leanne's son, with Anton describing the character as "not really what you would usually see from a stereotypical seventeen-year-old Scouse lad. He's very vulnerable at times. He isn't quite with the crowd that he would look up to. The way I describe Thomas is that if he was brought up in a wealthier family or a different place, he'd be very clever and maybe go on to do something quite academic and become successful."
What else has Anton Bibby been in? Anton previously appeared in an episode of Liverpool Narcos.
The Cage starts tonight at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
