Who’s who in the BBC One submarine thriller, starring Suranne Jones and Martin Compston.
BBC One submarine thriller Vigil features an all-star cast, led by Gentleman Jack’s Suranne Jones in the role of a detective sent to investigate a death aboard the submarine HMS Vigil.
Written by BAFTA nominee Tom Edge (Judy, The Crown), the series also co-stars Endeavour’s Shaun Evans, and Martin Compston – who BBC One audiences will of course recognise as Line of Duty’s Steve Arnott.
With the events of the series shrouded in secrecy, the broadcaster has only released brief character descriptions for the likes of DCI Amy Silva (played by Suranne Jones) and DS Kirsten Longacre (Rose Leslie), but we’ll keep this page updated.
Read on for everything you need to know about the cast and characters in BBC One drama Vigil.
Suranne Jones plays DCI Amy Silva
!["Suranne]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2021/07/Vigil-f639780.jpeg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413" "\"Vigil\"")
Who is DCI Amy Silva? The “brilliantly complex” officer who leads an investigation into a suspicious death aboard the submarine HMS Vigil, uncovering “a conspiracy that threatens the very heart of Britain’s nuclear deterrent”.
“Amy Silva is a brilliantly complex character, thrown into a highly charged situation where her authority is weakened,” said Suranne Jones. “We watch as she navigates her own personal trauma and loss, all at a time when she’s questioning her relationships and life choices.”
Where have I seen Suranne Jones before? She plays the title characters in both the acclaimed Gentleman Jack and in Doctor Foster, and has previously starred in the likes of Scott and Bailey, Coronation Street, and more.
Rose Leslie plays DS Kirsten Longacre
!["Vigil"]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2021/07/Vigil-Rose-Leslie-a0640ea.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C400" "\"Vigil\"")
Who is DS Kirsten Longacre? A police officer who has a “short hand” with DCI Amy Silva, and is enlisted to be her woman on the ground, following up leads. Judging by the Vigil trailer, there might also be a suggestion of romance between the pair.
Where have I seen Rose Leslie before? The actress is best known internationally for playing Ygritte on Game of Thrones, and for starring in the likes of Downton Abbey (as Gwen), Honeymoon, The Good Fight, Luther, The Great Fire, and Utopia.
Lauren Lyle plays Jade
!["Vigil"]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2021/08/Vigil-3458b54.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413" "\"Vigil\"")
Who is Jade? A strong-willed protestor with connections to HMS Vigil.
Where have I seen Lauren Lyle before? She’s best known for playing Marsali in the time-travelling drama series Outlander, but she’ll also take the title role in the upcoming ITV police procedural Karen Pirie.
Martin Compston plays Craig Burke
!["Martin]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2021/05/vigil_bbc_one_martin_compston-0845459.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413" "\"vigil_bbc_one_martin_compston\"")
Who is Craig Burke? Burke works aboard HMS Vigil, monitoring the sonar.
Where have I seen Martin Compston before? Compston is best known for playing Londoner Steve Arnott in the BBC series Line of Duty. He’s also starred in BBC One surrogacy thriller The Nest, Traces (as Danny), and projects including Mary Queen of Scots, Red Road, In Plain Sight, and his breakout role in Sweet Sixteen.
Shaun Evans plays Glover
!["Vigil"]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2021/07/Vigil-Shaun-Evans-6602102.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C400" "\"Vigil-Shaun-Evans\"")
Who is Glover? Elliot Glover is the coxswain on HMS Vigil. As Shaun Evans explained, “It’s a role that sits and liaises between the highest-ranking six officers on board and the rest of the crew, so Glover has to straddle both worlds on the submarine. At the beginning of the series someone aboard the ship – and I won’t say who – needs disciplining, which is a job for Glover, and then a couple of hours later that person is found dead.”
Where have I seen Shaun Evans before? The actor and director, who plays the title character in the Inspector Morse prequel Endeavour, is known for previous roles in Teachers, Silk, Ashes to Ashes and The Scandalous Lady W. He’s also directed episodes of Casualty and Endeavour.
Paterson Joseph plays Newsome
!["Vigil"]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2021/07/Vigil-cast-a6292fc.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C400" "\"Vigil-cast\"")
Who is Newsome? Captain of HMS Vigil.
Where have I seen Paterson Joseph before? He played Kamal Hadley in Noughts and Crosses, and Alan Johnson in Peep Show. He’s also starred in Timeless, Æon Flux, The Beach and Neverwhere.
Connor Swindells plays Hadlow
!["Vigil"]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2021/07/Vigil-cast-2-84c0419.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C400" "\"Vigil\"")
Who is Hadlow? Hadlow is the chief engineering officer on HMS Vigil.
Where have I seen Connor Swindells before? His breakout role was as Adam Groff in Netflix teen drama Sex Education. He’s also starred in the film Emma., Harlots, and Jamestown.
The first two episodes of Vigil will air over the bank holiday on Sunday 29th August and Monday 30th August at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The remaining episodes will air each week on Sunday from then onwards.
While you’re waiting, check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide to see what’s on tonight.