Two years after the phenomenal success of Netflix's Baby Reindeer, creator and star Richard Gadd returns with Half Man, a new drama exploring lifelong male friendship and toxic masculinity. The series, which premieres tonight on BBC One, follows the story over a 30-year period and features an ensemble cast packed with familiar faces from Coronation Street, Shetland, and Bodyguard.
Main Cast of Half Man
Niall – Jamie Bell
Niall becomes like a brother to Ruben when he unexpectedly moves in with him. However, 30 years later at Niall's wedding, their relationship has turned sour. Jamie Bell, known for playing Billy Elliot in the iconic 2000 film and soon to appear as Duke Shelby in the upcoming Peaky Blinders sequel, brings Niall to life.
Ruben – Richard Gadd
Ruben has a violent streak that emerges when he shows up uninvited at Niall's wedding. Richard Gadd is best known for creating and starring in Netflix's Baby Reindeer, with previous roles in Tripped, Against the Law, Code 404, and Wedding Season. He also serves as creator and executive producer of Half Man.
Young Niall – Mitchell Robertson
Mitchell Robertson portrays a younger Niall. He has had minor roles in series such as Grace, Curfew, Mayflies, and A Very British Scandal.
Young Ruben – Stuart Campbell
Stuart Campbell plays the younger version of Ruben. His credits include Rabbie MacNab in Outlander, Jack in Hetty Feather, Derfel in The Winter King, Malcolm Kidd in Shetland, and Bill Fraser in Rogue Heroes.
Alby – Charlie de Melo
Alby is a university friend of Niall's, played by Charlie de Melo. Soap fans will recognise him as Imran Habeeb in ITV's Coronation Street. He has also appeared in The Interceptor, Doctor Who, Ellis, and Rivals as Malhar Verma.
Young Alby – Bilal Hasna
Bilal Hasna portrays the younger Alby. He has featured in Slow Horses, The Agency, Black Mirror, and Netflix's 3 Body Problem.
Maura – Marianne McIvor
Marianne McIvor plays Ruben's mother, Maura. She has appeared in The Nest, Channel 4's Screw, and BBC's The Bombing of Pan Am 103.
Lori – Neve McIntosh
Neve McIntosh plays Niall's mother, Lori. Her notable roles include Donna Rix in Bodies, Vastra in Doctor Who, Nicola Hicklin in Critical, Julie Hedges in Traces, and Katie Kilmuir in Shetland.
Mona – Amy Manson
Amy Manson plays Mona, an old flame of Ruben's from childhood. She has starred as Alice Guppy in Torchwood, Maladie in The Nevers, Charlotte Hillinghead in Bodies, and Giselle in The Diplomat.
Ava – Anjli Mohindra
Anjli Mohindra portrays Ava, a woman Niall meets as an adult. She is known for playing Archie in The Lazarus Project, Tiffany in Vigil, and Nadia Alli in the BBC thriller Bodyguard.
Celeste – Philippine Velge
Philippine Velge plays Celeste, whom Niall meets at university. She has appeared in The Serpent Queen, Station Eleven, and the film Jurassic World: Rebirth.
Joanna – Julie Cullen
Julie Cullen plays Joanna, another university acquaintance of Niall's. She is a relative newcomer, with previous roles in The Princess Switch 3 and Traces.
Half Man premieres on Tuesday, April 28, at 10:40 pm on BBC One.
