The BBC has released first-look images for the third series of the BAFTA-winning drama Time, which returns with a star-studded cast to explore the challenges of caring for teenagers in prison. The series is set in a Young Offenders Institution (YOI) and examines the impact of incarceration on both inmates and staff.
David Tennant Leads the Cast as Custodial Manager Bobby Bailey
National treasure David Tennant stars as Bobby Bailey, a veteran custodial manager at the YOI. In an initial image from the show, he is seen sitting sternly at a desk in the detention centre, wearing his uniform. Siobhan Finneran reprises her role as prison chaplain Marie-Louise O'Dell, who arrives at the YOI despite having lost her faith. When tragedy strikes, she clashes with Bobby, who knows more about the incident than he reveals.
As Bobby struggles with guilt, two teen offenders—Peter (Ollie McNulty) and James (Louis McCartney)—form an unlikely friendship during their first weeks of incarceration. James faces his parents after committing an unforgivable act of violence, while Peter must decide whether to tell the truth about the death of an innocent man or remain loyal to his family.
Additional Cast and Crew Details
The cast also includes EastEnders star Jo Joyner as Nicola, Boiling Point's Vinette Robinson as Erica Bailey, The Responder's Warren Brown as Albie, and Such Brave Girls' Daniel Ryan as Custodial Manager Jennings. The first series won two BAFTAs, including Best Mini-Series and Best Actor for Sean Bean, while Stephen Graham was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. The second series won three Royal Television Society Awards, with Tamara Lawrence winning Leading Female Actor and Bella Ramsey winning Supporting Actor.
Series Confirmation and Writer Comments
The third series was confirmed in November 2025. Co-writer Samuel Bailey said: "It's been an absolute honour to work with Jimmy on Time series 3, and with the brilliant cast put together by the team, I think this series will be just as impactful and devastating as Time 1 & 2. I'm particularly excited for audiences to meet the lads playing our young offenders, who are all remarkable actors that I know we're going to be seeing a lot more of in the future."
