The Winter King, the thrilling new tackle Arthurian legend, premieres on December 21, on ITVX.
Set within the fifth century, when Britain was a chaotic land of warring tribes, the collection follows Arthur Pendragon – an outsider who will develop into a king.
The collection is predicated on the Warlord Chronicles, by standard historic novelist Bernard Cornwell. His books have lengthy been standard with TV producers: he’s the thoughts behind ITV‘s Sharpe and the BBC‘s The Final Kingdom.
So who performs Arthur, Merlin and Guinevere? Right here’s a rundown of The Winter King’s forged, and the place precisely you’ve seen all of them earlier than.
Iain De Caestecker is the legendary warrior Arthur Pendragon
Scottish actor Iain De Caestecker is Arthur Pendragon, the illegitimate son of Excessive King Uther who’s exiled after a horrible defeat by the Saxons.
Iain is finest often known as Leo Fitz from Marvel‘s Brokers of S.H.I.E.L.D., a task he performed by means of seven seasons. Launched because the crew’s know-how specialist, Fitz discovered love, trauma and evil alter-ego The Physician over the course of the present.
Cleaning soap followers would possibly recognise him from some other place, nonetheless. Iain was the primary actor to play Adam Barlow, the son of Mike Baldwin and Susan Barlow, on Coronation Road. He performed Adam from 2001 till 2003, earlier than Samuel Robertson was forged within the position in 2004 (which he nonetheless performs to this present day).
After his stint on Corrie, Iain appeared as Darren in Lip Service (2010), Paul Roberts in BAFTA-winning drama The Fades (2011), and the titular vet in Younger James Herriot (2011). He was nominated for a Scottish BAFTA for his work as James Herriot.
This wasn’t his solely Scottish BAFTA nod; in 2013, Iain starred in romcom Not One other Comfortable Ending, which earned him a second nomination. That very same 12 months, he additionally appeared in psychological horror In Concern and black comedy Filth.
The 35-year-old later starred in Ryan Gosling‘s Misplaced River (2014) and J.J. Abrams horror Overlord (2018).
Extra lately, Iain appeared as younger Douglas Petersen within the BBC One adaptation of David Nicholls’ Us (2020), in addition to alongside Hugh Laurie in political thriller Roadkill.
And simply final 12 months Iain starred as emergency name handler Gabe in BBC thriller The Management Room.
Eddie Marsan is Excessive King Uther in The Winter King forged
Award winning-actor Eddie Marsan performs the ailing Uther, Excessive King of Britain, King of Dumnonia and father of Arthur Pendragon.
Eddie, 55, is well-known for his performances each at house and overseas throughout TV and movie.
On the small display screen, Eddie starred in Showtime’s Emmy-winning crime drama Ray Donovan from 2012 to 2020. He performed Terry Donovan, the brother of Ray (Liev Schrieber). In 2015, Eddie performed Gilbert Norrell within the critically acclaimed Jonathan Unusual & Mr Norrell.
Earlier in his profession, he made appearances on The Invoice (1992-1996), Casualty (1996), EastEnders (1996), Grange Hill (1996-1998), Choose John Deed (2002), Silent Witness (2004) and Legislation and Order: UK (2009-2010).
Within the 2020s, Eddie’s starred in The Pact (2021) and The Energy (2023). He’s additionally had main roles as real-life forensic psychologist Paul Britton in Deceit (2021) and as John Darwin, the jail officer who faked his personal loss of life, in The Thief, His Spouse and the Canoe (2022).
If you happen to’ve not come throughout Eddie on TV, you’ve virtually undoubtedly seen him in a movie. Eddie’s appeared in large identify hits reminiscent of 21 Grams (2003), Vera Drake (2004), V for Vendetta (2006), Mission: Not possible III (2006), Comfortable-Go-Fortunate (2008), Hancock (2008), Sherlock Holmes (2009), Battle Horse (2011), Sherlock Holmes: A Recreation of Shadows (2011) and The World’s Finish (2013).
He performed the main position of John Might, a lonely man whose job it’s to search out next-of-kin of deceased in Kennington City, in 2013’s Nonetheless Life. The 2014 Edinburgh Worldwide Movie Competition Award for Finest British Actor got here his means for his efficiency.
He additionally starred in 2016 warfare romance The Exception, alongside Jai Courtney and Lily James.
Ellie James as Nimue
Relative newcomer Ellie James performs Nimue, a priestess who claims to have the power to see gods.
Ellie’s first large position was in season two of Strike, taking part in the drug addict girlfriend of Cormoran Strike’s (Tom Burke) villainous stepfather Jeff Whittaker (Matt King), in 2018.
She later appeared in BBC Two worldwide crime drama Giri/Haji in 2019.
Subsequent up, Ellie struck gold with an look within the critically acclaimed Michaela Coel black comedy I Might Destroy You, through which she performed publishing assistant Sion.
Roles in Battle of the Worlds (2021), I Am (2021) and Pink Rose (2022) adopted, as properly an episode of Medical doctors (2022).
In 2023, Ellie’s already appeared in Netflix crime thriller Our bodies, earlier than taking over a number one position in The Winter King.
Nathaniel Martello-White as Merlin
British actor Nathaniel Martello-White performs Merlin, a well-known druid and affiliate of Arthur. Nevertheless, Merlin has an agenda of his personal.
The 40-year-old’s early roles embody Trial and Retribution (2007), Medical doctors (2007), The Sisterhood of the Touring Pants (2008), Legislation and Order: UK (2010), Misfits (2012), Dying in Paradise (2013) and Silk (2014).
He starred alongside Idris Elba in political drama Guerilla on Sky Atlantic in 2017, in addition to alongside Sarah Lancashire in Kiri in 2018.
2018 was a giant 12 months for Nathaniel. He additionally starred in Netflix drama Collateral, taking part in DS Nathan Bilk, the police accomplice of Carey Mulligan’s DI Kip Glaspie. He additionally performed a lead position in American thriller thriller One Greenback, which informed the story of a a number of murder in small city rust belt America.
Silent Witness and I Hate Suzie adopted in 2020. Within the latter, Nathaniel performed Carter Vaughn, the person pictured with Billie Piper‘s Suzie Pickles in a compromising place, prompting the occasions of the drama.
And eventually, in 2021, Nathaniel starred alongside The Winter King co-star Eddie Marsan for the primary time in Deceit. He performed the fictional character of Baz, the handler for Sadie (Niamh Algar) – the (additionally fictional) lady who honeytraps homicide suspect Colin Stagg.
Jordan Alexandra as Guinevere in The Winter King forged
Jordan Alexandra stars as Guinevere, the attractive and extremely bold exiled Princess of Henis Wyren.
Up-and-coming actress Jordan, 30, has performed small roles in large dramas Bridgerton (2020) and Grantchester (2021). She’s additionally appeared on the silver display screen in Stephen Graham drama Boiling Level (2021) and with Benedict Cumberbatch in Physician Unusual within the Multiverse of Insanity (2022).
She additionally performed the position of Gabi in black comedy Mammals in 2021, which starred James Corden as a betrayed chef.
In 2023, she’s starred in thriller BlackBits, romantic drama Stunned by Oxford and sci-fi thriller The Shift.
Stuart Campbell stars as Derfel
Scottish-born actor Stuart Campbell performs Derfel, the narrator of Bernard Cornwell’s The Winter King. Derfel is a younger warrior who seems as much as Arthur.
Aged simply 25, Stuart’s not been on the appearing scene lengthy, however he has bagged roles in Suspects (2016), Medical doctors (2016), Outlander (2017), Clique (2018) and London Kills (2019).
His longest recurring position got here in 2017, when he was forged in Jacqueline Wilson adaptation Hetty Feather. Taking part in the position of gardener Jack, he appeared often by means of seasons 3 to five, earlier than guest-starring within the closing season.
In 2021, Stuart performed Alex Chambers, one of many kidnapped sons of British Ambassador Emma Chambers (Fiona Shaw) in crime drama Baptiste. Final 12 months, he performed the key position of Second Lieutenant Invoice Fraser in SAS Rogue Heroes, alongside Connor Swindells and Jack O’Connell. The collection has been renewed for a second collection, with Stuart confirmed to return.
Thus far in 2023, he’s appeared as PC Duncan Mcinney in Paramount+ thriller The Chemistry of Dying.
Daniel Ings as Owain
Daniel Ings is Owain, the champion of Dumnonia, a world-class warrior who struggles together with his loyalty.
You would possibly recognise Daniel, 38, from his position in Netflix comedy Lovesick. He performed Luke, the reckless however loyal finest pal of Dylan (Johnny Flynn) and Evie (Antonia Thomas).
He’s additionally appeared on Peep Present (2010), Endeavour (2014) and Mount Nice (2014).
Roles in You, Me & Them (2015), Vera (2016) and Agatha Raisin (2016) adopted, earlier than taking part in Head of Generic Comedy and Drama Matt Taverner in BBC mockumentary W1A (2014-2017).
He performed Michael Carter, Prince Philip’s non-public secretary, in The Crown‘s first two seasons in 2016-2017.
And in 2018 Daniel performed the primary position of lawyer-turned-barman Andy in James Patterson TV adaptation Intuition, which ran for 2 seasons.
The 2020s have gone from energy to energy for Daniel. After a task in Britbox Unique Agatha Christie drama Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? (2022), he picked up the position of Cob Betterton – the husband of Billie Piper’s Suzie Pickles – in I Hate Suzie. That’s proper, each of Suzie Pickles’ lovers are in The Winter King’s forged.
And one closing irresponsible playboy position to spherical issues off: Daniel additionally performed Dan, love curiosity of Jean Milburn (Gillian Anderson) in Netflix’s Intercourse Training.
Valene Kane performs Morgan in The Winter King forged
Northern Irish actress Valene Kane performs Morgan, Uther’s illegitimate daughter, Arthur’s sister, and a priestess of Merlin.
Valene is finest identified for her position as Rose Stagg, a sufferer of Jamie Dornan‘s Belfast Strangler Paul Spector, in The Fall. A former lover of Spector’s, she recognises similarities between him and the Strangler – prompting Spector to abduct her. The collection gained essential acclaim and a number of awards, in addition to receiving two BAFTA nods.
After The Fall, Valene starred as DS Lisa Service provider – an officer investigating lacking individual Ivy Moxam (Jodie Comer) – in 13.
She appeared alongside Jamie Dornan once more for interval drama Dying and Nightingales in 2018.
Valene starred as Olivia Collins in Australian comedy The Different Man from 2017 to 2019.
Subsequent cease for the 36-year-old was Sky’s Gangs of London in 2020, through which she performed Jacqueline Robinson, the daughter of felony Wallace household.
And earlier in 2023 you may need caught her stint as Angela Mackle in new Irish police drama Blue Lights.
Simon Merrells as Gundleus
English actor Simon Merrells performs Gundleus, the power-hungry and savage king of Siluria.
Simon, 58, isn’t any stranger to the historic fantasy drama. He’s finest identified for his portrayal of Spartacus’ nemesis Marcus Crassus within the closing season of Starz hit Spartacus: Battle of the Damned (2013).
Extra lately, he’s had roles in Amazon fantasies The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Energy (2022) and Good Omens (2019).
He additionally starred alongside Mark Hamill and Tom Cullen in Knightfall, through which he performed the Templar Tancrede, between 2017 and 2019.
He’s additionally performed Julius Caesar in Legends of Tomorrow (2017-2018), Julian in Dominion (2015) and Hugh in The Tomorrow Individuals (2013-2014).
Steven Elder as Bishop Bedwin in The Winter King forged
Yorkshire actor Steven Elder performs Bishop Bedwin, the type and well-liked Bishop of Dumnonia.
Steven began his profession on Coronation Road in 1997, when he performed DI Fox, a detective investigating Anne Malone’s icy loss of life. He later appeared in three different soaps: EastEnders (2001), Holby Metropolis (2000-2011), and Medical doctors (2000-2019). Whereas he performed a number of roles in Medical doctors, his most outstanding was as Reverend Gordon Clement (2013-2019). The reverend was a love curiosity of Winifred Tembe (Lorna Laidlaw), and the pair ultimately moved away collectively in 2019 as a part of Tembe’s exit storyline.
He’s performed small roles in Choose John Deed (2006), NCIS (2007), Heartbeat (1999-2008), The Invoice (1998-2009), New Methods (2009), Misplaced (2010), Upstairs Downstairs (2012), The Tunnel (2013), Silent Witness (2015), Vera (2017) and Endeavour (2018).
In 2019, he starred in Brad Pitt-produced historic epic The King for Netflix.
Within the 2020s, he’s starred as DCI Robert Pearson in The Bay (2021) and as Phillip Stretton in Grace (2021). He was Tim Milne in 2022’s A Spy Amongst Pals, alongside Man Pearce and Damian Lewis.
Already in 2023 he’s appeared in Carnival Row, in addition to on the most recent season of Vigil.
Andrew Gower performs Sansum
Merseyside-born actor Andrew Gower takes on the position of Sansum, a Catholic priest and novice to Bishop Bedwin.
Andrew’s large break got here in 2012, when he was forged within the recurring position of vampire Nick Cutler in Being Human. That very same 12 months, he additionally appeared alongside James Nesbitt in medical drama Monroe, in addition to an episode of Misfits.
Extra lately, you may need seen the 34-year-old in Carnival Row, alongside Orlando Bloom. Within the collection, he performed Ezra Spurnrose from 2019 to 2023. He additionally performed Detective Peter Andrews in You in 2023.
On high of all that, Andrew additionally performed royalty in Outlander, as Prince Charles Stuart, from 2016-2022.
Andrew’s CV additionally contains Miss Scarlet and the Duke (2020), Poldark (2019) and The Village (2014).
Aneirin Hughes is Gorfydd in The Winter King forged
BAFTA-winning Welsh actor Aneirin Hughes is Gorfydd, the king of Powys, the enemy of Dumnonia.
Aneirin, 65, has had an extended and adorned profession, with Welsh TV followers more than likely to recognise him. He began his profession on Welsh cleaning soap Pobol y Cwm in 1994. In 1997, he gained a Finest Actor BAFTA Cymru for his efficiency as Delme Davies in Welsh language movie Cameleon.
He went on to star in The Invoice (1999), Take Me (2001), Household Affairs (2004), Spooks (2005) and Medical doctors (2006).
He had recurring roles in Choose John Deed (2005-2007) and Younger Dracula (2006-2008). Nevertheless, he’s in all probability most well-known for portraying Chief Superintendent Brian Prosser in BBC 4’s Hinterland from 2013 to 2016.
Extra lately, he’s appeared as solicitor Tom Howells in Welsh thriller Maintaining Religion (2017-2021).
Ken Nwosu performs Sagramor
Ken Nwosu portrays Sagramor, a veteran warrior who’s considered one of Arthur’s closest allies.
Whereas Ken’s early appearing profession is generally spectacular theatre roles, he hit our TV screens in 2018 and hasn’t appeared again. That 12 months he appeared as Leo in Settling, Max in Killing Eve and Puck in Upstart Crow. He additionally performed Paul Hastings in Ewan McGregor-starring Disney movie Christopher Robin.
In 2019, he had roles in Disaster and Sticks and Stones. In 2020, he performed Ristridin in Netflix fantasy The Letter for the King.
Most lately he’s starred in Hollington Drive (2021) and Rain Canines (2023).
Who else is in The Winter King forged?
My Policeman star Emily John portrays Ceinwyn, Gorfydd’s daughter and a extremely sought-after princess of Powys.
Irish-Italian actress Tatjana Nardone performs pagan warrior Ladwys. Tatjana’s greatest position up to now was in 2016 as Emilia in Medici, the political interval drama set in Florence. She’s since appeared in 2019’s Heirs of the Night time and season considered one of Sky drama Devils (2020). She additionally appeared in 2022 thriller State of Consciousness.
Billy Postlethwaite, generally credited as William Postlethwaite, performs the shrewd warrior-king Cadwys. Billy’s performed a number of roles on Holby Metropolis (2014-2019), in addition to showing on hit drama Chernobyl (2019). He additionally performed Isaac on Beforeigners (2021) and Hank on Silo (2023).
The Winter King premieres on ITVX on Thursday, December 21.
Learn extra: ITV Christmas schedule guarantees festive leisure with The Masked Singer particular
Are you going to be tuning in? Head to our Fb web page @EntertainmentDailyFix after which tell us.