Get Millie Black, the gripping new crime drama from HBO and , is set to debut this week. This five-part miniseries represents the screenwriting debut of Booker Prize-winning author Marlon James.
Initially aired on HBO in America last November, the series finally arrives on British screens today (March 5). Get Millie Black centres around a former Scotland Yard detective (played by Tamara Lawrance), who swaps London for Kingston, Jamaica, to investigate a disturbing missing persons case that threatens to reveal more than she’s prepared to face.
The show draws inspiration from creator James’ mother, one of Jamaica’s first female detectives. Viewers will be plunged into a unique portrayal of Caribbean crime, a stark contrast to shows like Death in Paradise, with this gritty noir tale – here’s a rundown of the main cast and where you might recognise them from.
Who stars in Get Millie Black?
The eponymous character, Millie Black, is brought to life by British actress Tamara Lawrance, known for her roles in ‘s Mr Loverman, the second series of Jimmy McGovern’s prison drama Time and The Long Song. She has also appeared in No Offence, The Split, Apple TV+’s Invasion and Small Axe.
Joe Dempsie and Tamara Lawrance in Get Millie Black (Image: CHANNEL 4)
According to IMDb, Lawrance is set to feature next in The Man in My Basement and ANOKHI: An adventure out of this world.
The star is also recognised for her role as ‘s girlfriend in the 2017 film adaptation of Mike Bartlett’s play King Charles III. Another notable actor is Joe Dempsie, who plays Luke Holborn from Scotland Yard, sent to Jamaica to work on Millie’s case.
Dempsie, best known for his role as blacksmith Gendry in Game of Thrones, has since appeared in numerous projects including ‘s Toxic Town, Showtrial, Pieces of Her, Deep State and Channel 4’s Adult Material. The Skins alumnus has also featured in Blitz, The Fades, Southcliffe, One of Us, and This Is England ’90.
Gershwyn Eustache Jnr portrays Curtis, Millie’s intelligent partner in the Jamaican Police Force, who must keep his love life a secret from his colleagues. Eustache Jnr’s credits include Fortitude, Britannia, Stephen ITV’s sleek crime drama Joan, A Spy Among Friends and Andor.
Get Millie Black is based on creator Marlon James’ mother (Image: CHANNEL 4)
He will also appear in Silent Witness this year and next in In the Shadows, alongside his Get Millie Black co-star Lawrance in The Man in My Basement.
Chyna McQueen debuts as ‘gully queen’ Hibiscus. The Jamaican transgender star revealed she was offered the role after receiving a call from a casting agent while at a queer art exhibition in Jamaica.
Nestor Aaron Absera, known for his roles in Bob Marley: One Love, Van Wilder: Freshman Year and Rushlights, takes on the character of Corsica Peter. John Thwaites makes his acting debut as Freddie Somerville in Get Millie Black.
Christopher Daley, who has previously appeared in Kingston Paradise, One Love and Femto 7K, plays Lance Stennet. Shernet Swearine, a newcomer who has previously starred in Black Cake, takes on her most significant role to date as Janet Fenton in Get Millie Black.
Get Millie Black is a gripping noir drama (Image: CHANNEL 4)
Belinda Reid, who has had minor roles in It’s a Date and Banged Up Abroad and featured on the Freaky Friday soundtrack, appears as Barracat. Paul Issa, known for Piranha Part Two: The Spawning and Heaven Wants Out, portrays the menacing Leddick Summerville.
Anjli Mohindra, who has had roles in Bodyguard, Vigil, The Lazarus Project, Munich: Edge of War and The Red King, plays Meera Thakur. She is also set to appear in Prime Video’s thriller Fear alongside Line of Duty’s Martin Compston.
Get Millie Black starts today and is available to stream and watch live on Channel 4