John Simm, known for his role as Detective Roy Grace in ITV's Grace, takes on a markedly different character in the new BBC drama I, Jack Wright. Simm portrays Gray Wright, the eldest son of the deceased patriarch Jack Wright, described as the "bad apple" of the family. The six-part whodunit, written by Chris Lang, premieres on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Sunday, July 12 at 9:15pm.
The series originally debuted in April 2025 on U&Alibi, where it garnered outstanding reviews. The BBC has not only acquired series one but has also commissioned a second series, currently in production.
John Simm's Character: Gray Wright
Simm's character Gray is a former 1990s pop or rock star who achieved modest success—possibly one or two top 10 hits—and now runs a small independent record label. The actor describes him as a "bad apple" who owes money and finds himself in a predicament. This role marks a departure for Simm, who is widely recognized for playing the Master in Doctor Who, Detective Sam Tyler in Life on Mars, and Detective Roy Grace in ITV's Grace, now in its sixth season.
Stellar Cast and Characters
The ensemble cast includes Nikki Amuka-Bird as Sally Wright, Jack's third wife—a wealthy lawyer and mother who discovers her husband's betrayal after his death, leaving her and her son with no inheritance. Amuka-Bird is known for roles in Torchwood, Silent Witness, Luther, and Death in Paradise.
Trevor Eve plays the titular Jack Wright, a Yorkshire-born multimillionaire patriarch. Eve, famous for Waking the Dead and Shoestring, describes Jack as an "authoritarian" who expects obedience. Gemma Jones portrays Rose, Jack's first wife, and is known for playing Bridget Jones's mother and Madam Pomfrey in Harry Potter.
Daniel Rigby plays John Wright, Jack's second son and heir to the family's brick-making empire. Rigby is best known for portraying Eric Morecambe in the BBC film Eric and Ernie and narrates Teletubbies. Ruby Ashbourne Serkis plays Emily Wright, Gray's daughter and Jack's only grandchild, who returns from California entangled in the family turmoil.
Plot Overview
The synopsis reads: "I, Jack Wright is a propulsive whodunnit with family secrets at its core. The apparent death by suicide of high-powered businessman Jack Wright sends shockwaves through his family, leaving a mystery that pits greed, loyalty and suspicion against one another." As his wives and children fight over his estate, a detective investigates and uncovers shocking truths about the wealthy clan.
