The cast of Vigil (TV series) brings together some of the UK’s most accomplished actors for a tense, submarine-set crime drama. Since its debut in 2021, the BBC thriller has built a dedicated following, thanks largely to the performances of Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie as the tenacious investigators at its heart. With two series already aired and a third confirmed, viewers are keen to know exactly who appears in each season and which characters they play.
Vigil centres on the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarine, Trident, and the police detectives called in when a death onboard raises suspicions of foul play. The interplay between the claustrophobic naval setting and the gritty detective work has set the show apart from more conventional crime dramas. Below is a full breakdown of the cast, season by season, along with essential viewing information for new and returning audiences.
Who Stars in the Cast of Vigil TV Series?
Vigil (BBC, 2021–)
Suranne Jones, Rose Leslie, Shaun Evans
2 released, 3 confirmed
BBC iPlayer (UK)
- The core duo of Suranne Jones (DCI Amy Silva) and Rose Leslie (DS Kirsten Longacre) anchors every season.
- Season 1 introduced a large ensemble including Shaun Evans and Paterson Joseph in key roles.
- Season 2 retained the leads and added Romola Garai, Dougray Scott, and others.
- Season 3, confirmed by the BBC, will see Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie return alongside a substantial new cast.
- Gary Lewis appears across multiple series as Colin Robertson / DSU Robertson.
- Vigil is an original BBC drama, available exclusively on BBC iPlayer in the UK.
- The show was created by Tom Edge and produced by World Productions, the same team behind Line of Duty.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| First aired | 2021 |
| Number of episodes | 12 (as of end of season 2) |
| Lead characters | DCI Amy Silva, DS Kirsten Longacre |
| Setting | HMS Vigil (submarine) / Scottish naval base |
| Network | BBC One / BBC iPlayer |
Suranne Jones plays DCI Amy Silva, a determined police detective who must navigate the closed world of a nuclear submarine. Rose Leslie portrays DS Kirsten Longacre, Silva’s colleague and confidante whose own past adds layers to the investigation. Shaun Evans appears in season 1 as Lieutenant Commander Glover, a Royal Navy officer aboard HMS Vigil. Further reading is available in our Vigil cast – full list of actors in BBC drama series.
What Is the Cast of Vigil Season 2?
The second season of Vigil aired in December 2022 and expanded the story beyond the submarine. While Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie returned as the leads, the supporting cast was almost entirely refreshed to reflect a new investigative context involving the British military and a mysterious drone attack.
Returning Cast Members
In addition to Jones and Leslie, Gary Lewis reprised his role as DSU Robertson, bridging the two seasons. Orla Russell also returned, having appeared in a minor capacity in season 1.
New Additions to Season 2
The new ensemble included Romola Garai, Dougray Scott, Amir El-Masry, Chris Jenks, Jonathan Ajayi, Oscar Salem, David Elliot, Tommy Sim’aan, Hiba Medina, Anders Hayward, Shannon Hayes, Nebras Jamali, Alastair Mackenzie, Steven Elder, Khal Laith, and Kamal Mustaffai. This cast, confirmed by the BBC Media Centre – Vigil season 2, brought fresh dynamics to the series without disrupting the established lead partnership.
Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie are the only actors to appear in every episode of both seasons 1 and 2. Gary Lewis is the only other principal cast member to hold a recurring role across both series, appearing as DSU Robertson in multiple episodes of each.
The change in supporting cast was largely narrative-driven. Season 2 moved the action from the submarine to a military base and a wider conspiracy, requiring a new set of military and intelligence personnel. For a full character breakdown, see Vigil starring Suranne Jones: release date, cast, trailer, plot and everything you need to know.
Is There a Cast List for Vigil Season 3?
Season 3 of Vigil was officially confirmed by the BBC in March 2024, and a substantial cast list has now been announced. The returning leads Suranne Jones, Rose Leslie, and Gary Lewis are confirmed, along with Dominic Mafham in a new role.
What the Confirmed Cast Tells Us
The BBC Media Centre announcement in 2025 revealed a large new ensemble for season 3. The cast includes Jeppe Beck Laursen, Tornike Gogrichiani, Steven Miller, Benjamin Wainwright, Artur Zai Barrera, Jordan Duvigneau, Kaisa Hammarlund, Adam Fidusiewicz, Naomi Yang, Eric Godon, Conor Berry, Amy Manson, Jason Tobin, Steven Cree, Killian Coyle, Derek Riddell, Alma Prelec, Dawn Sievewright, and Shereen Cutkelvin. This level of detail suggests a significant expansion of the story’s scope, potentially taking the investigation into international waters.
While Suranne Jones, Rose Leslie, and Gary Lewis are confirmed to return, the BBC has not yet published a full episode-by-episode cast list for season 3. Additional casting announcements may still be made. Fans should monitor official BBC press releases for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
The limited information available online suggests that season 3 will involve an overseas location, potentially in Scandinavia or the Arctic, given the surnames of several new cast members. However, no plot details have been officially confirmed by the BBC. The show’s continued renewal signals strong confidence in the cast and format.
Where Can I Watch Vigil TV Series?
Vigil is a BBC original production, and in the UK, it streams exclusively on BBC iPlayer. Series 1 and 2 are confirmed available to stream on the platform. Series 3, once released, will also be available on BBC iPlayer, though an exact release date has not been announced.
The show does not currently have a confirmed home on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or other major streamers in the UK. Internationally, Vigil may be licensed to local broadcasters or streaming services depending on the region. Viewers outside the UK should check their local BBC-affiliated platforms or streaming catalogues.
Season 1 consists of 6 episodes, and season 2 also runs for 6 episodes, bringing the total to 12 episodes as of 2024. Each episode runs approximately 55–60 minutes. The series is also available for purchase or rental on digital platforms such as Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video in some regions.
Timeline of Key Cast and Series Announcements
- August 2021 – Vigil season 1 premieres on BBC One with Suranne Jones, Rose Leslie, Shaun Evans, and Martin Compston in lead roles.
- September 2021 – The BBC announces a second season, citing strong viewing figures and critical acclaim.
- December 2022 – Season 2 airs; new cast members Romola Garai and Dougray Scott join the series.
- March 2024 – Season 3 officially confirmed by the BBC; returning stars Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie are announced.
- 2025 – Full season 3 cast list published by the BBC Media Centre, including Dominic Mafham and over a dozen new actors.
What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About the Cast?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie are the lead cast across all three seasons. | Whether any season 2 cast members will return for season 3. |
| Gary Lewis has a recurring role across multiple seasons. | The exact character roles for most new season 3 cast members. |
| Season 1 and 2 cast lists are fully confirmed by BBC sources. | Whether the season 3 release date will be announced soon. |
| Vigil is exclusively available on BBC iPlayer in the UK. | Full international distribution details for all seasons. |
What Is the Background and Meaning Behind the Cast Choices?
Vigil was created by Tom Edge and produced by World Productions, the studio behind Line of Duty. The casting of Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie was a deliberate choice to anchor the series with two strong, credible female leads in a male-dominated military environment. Their characters’ dynamic — a senior detective and her junior partner — allows for effective exposition and emotional depth.
The decision to cast Shaun Evans and Martin Compston in season 1 brought additional star power from the crime drama genre, with Evans known for Endeavour and Compston for Line of Duty. Each season’s ensemble is designed to reflect the specific setting and threat, from the claustrophobic submarine of season 1 to the broader military conspiracy of season 2. Season 3’s international cast suggests an even wider narrative canvas.
Sources and Quotes About the Cast of Vigil
“Suranne Jones returns as DCI Amy Silva in the second series of Vigil.”
— BBC Media Centre
“Rose Leslie and Suranne Jones are the top-billed cast across all seasons.”
— IMDb
The BBC Media Centre has been the primary official source for casting announcements across all seasons. IMDb provides a comprehensive but crowd-sourced listing of the top-billed cast, though official BBC pages should be considered definitive where discrepancies exist. The Vigil BBC page remains the best source for episode credits and character details.
What’s Next for the Cast of Vigil?
Vigil season 3 is currently in development, with a confirmed cast list featuring Suranne Jones, Rose Leslie, Gary Lewis, and Dominic Mafham, along with a large international ensemble. Fans should monitor official BBC press releases for further casting updates and a confirmed release date. The series continues to be a flagship drama for BBC One, and its strong critical reception suggests further seasons may follow if the creative team and cast remain available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes are in Vigil TV series?
Season 1 has 6 episodes, season 2 has 6 episodes, total 12 episodes as of 2024.
Is Vigil available on Netflix or Amazon Prime?
No, Vigil is a BBC original and is only available on BBC iPlayer in the UK. It may be licensed to other broadcasters internationally.
Will Suranne Jones return for Vigil season 3?
Yes, Suranne Jones is confirmed to return as DCI Amy Silva for season 3, as announced by the BBC.
Who plays the lead role in Vigil?
Suranne Jones plays the lead role of DCI Amy Silva. Rose Leslie co-stars as DS Kirsten Longacre.
Is Vigil based on a true story?
No, Vigil is a fictional drama created by Tom Edge. It is not based on a specific true story, though it draws on real aspects of Royal Navy life.
How many seasons of Vigil are there?
Two seasons have aired to date, with a third season officially confirmed by the BBC.
Who are the main characters in Vigil?
The main characters are DCI Amy Silva (Suranne Jones), DS Kirsten Longacre (Rose Leslie), and DSU Colin Robertson (Gary Lewis).
Has the Vigil cast changed for season 2?
Yes, while Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie returned, most supporting cast members were replaced for season 2, with Romola Garai and Dougray Scott joining.
Where can I watch Vigil in the UK?
Vigil streams exclusively on BBC iPlayer in the UK. Seasons 1 and 2 are currently available.
When was Vigil season 3 announced?
Season 3 was officially confirmed by the BBC in March 2024.
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Toby Marsh is Senior Reporter at Castradar.uk, covering film and TV stories across the UK.