Netflix is kicking off the new year with a major new thriller, Run Away, based on the bestselling novel by master storyteller Harlan Coben. The series, which lands on the streaming platform on New Year's Day, Thursday 1 January, promises a tense and emotional story brought to life by a stellar cast of British television favourites.
A Desperate Search for a Missing Daughter
The plot centres on Simon Greene, a man whose perfect family life shatters when his daughter, Paige, runs away from home. Six months later, he finally tracks her down, only to find her living on the streets and battling drug addiction. This heartbreaking discovery is just the beginning, as it triggers a devastating chain of events that puts Simon under intense suspicion.
This marks the latest in a successful line of Harlan Coben adaptations for Netflix, following hits like The Stranger, Fool Me Once, and the 2025 release Missing You. As with those series, Run Away features a roster of instantly recognisable faces.
Meet the Star-Studded Cast of Run Away
James Nesbitt takes the lead role of the desperate father, Simon Greene. Nesbitt first rose to fame in the beloved comedy-drama Cold Feet and is known to global audiences as Bofur in The Hobbit films and as DCI Tom Brannick in the BBC's Bloodlands. He is no stranger to Coben's world, having also appeared in Stay Close and Missing You.
Ruth Jones, the iconic Gavin and Stacey star who created Nessa Jenkins, joins the mystery as private investigator Elena Ravenscroft. Her character becomes embroiled in Simon's case while looking into another missing young person. Jones's other notable credits include Stella and Fat Friends.
Playing the missing daughter, Paige Greene, is Ellie de Lange. Viewers may recognise her from acclaimed dramas such as Wolf Hall, The Serpent, and The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
Alfred Enoch, famous for playing Dean Thomas in the Harry Potter films and Wes Gibbins in How to Get Away with Murder, portrays Detective Inspector Isaac Fagbenle. He leads the investigation where Simon emerges as the prime suspect.
Minnie Driver stars as Ingrid Greene, Simon's terrified wife who is determined to bring her daughter home at any cost. Driver is best known for her Oscar-nominated role in Good Will Hunting and more recently for appearing in The Serpent Queen and Netflix's Emily in Paris.
More Familiar Faces in Pivotal Roles
The ensemble is packed with further talent. Tracy-Ann Oberman, known for playing Chrissie Watts in EastEnders and Auntie Val in Friday Night Dinner, appears as Simon's fierce lawyer, Jessica Kinberg.
Lucian Msamati (Game of Thrones, Gangs of London) plays Cornelius Faber, a neighbour to Paige and her boyfriend who helps Simon find his daughter—but whose motives remain questionable.
The supporting cast also includes:
- Annette Badland as Lou
- Jon Pointing as Ash
- Maeve Courtier-Lilley as Dee Dee
- Ingrid Oliver as Yvonne
- Joe McGann as Wiley Corval
With its compelling premise and a cast that reads like a who's who of British television, Run Away is poised to be the first must-watch thriller of 2026. All episodes arrive on Netflix on Thursday 1 January.
