Where Do I Know That Actor?

There’s a new series on Sunday nights, kicking off prime time. It’s RIDLEY, starring Adrian Dunbar in the title role as a retired detective inspector brought back in as a consultant. Certainly, sounds intriguing as a premise so we’ll see if it holds up. Each episode is split into two parts making for an 8-part series. So far, we’ve been treated to the first investigation and got to see a few faces that you may know from elsewhere.

Before we start, I will note that RIDLEY gives us a lot of actors who have appeared in other series we’ve aired but none who really rise to the level of main star. Still, that’s why I do this. You’re bound to recognize a Dame Judi Dench when she shows up on something but the bit players and character actors are harder to pin down. So let’s see who’s who…

Adrian Dunbar, of course, starts as former DI Alex Ridley. While there have been a few guest roles on shows like Death In Paradise, Scott & Bailey and Inspector Morse, it’s possible you may have seen him as Plantagenet in The Hollow Crown.

Where Do I Know That Actor?

The circus comes to town bringing the usual drama and sinister clowns – and of course the odd series of MIDSOMER MURDERS. Thankfully DCI Barnaby is on the case (even if a bit of coulrophobia seems to put him at a disadvantage). Along for the funny business were seven familiar faces. Let’s see who was under the big top this week…

Jason Watkins was circus owner and ringmaster Joe Ferabbee. His multi-decade career began in the 1980s when he appeared as Gerry for eleven episodes on EastEnders. However, you may know him as Christopher Hatton in The Virgin Queen, Plornish in Little Dorrit or Suffolk in The Hollow Crown. Most recently, Watkins portrayed Reform Club member Bernard Fortescue in Around The World In 80 Days on Masterpiece.

Andrew Gower played Joe’s son Harry Ferabbee. He popped up as James Hadfield in Poldark but may be more recognizable as Mark in Capital or, more recently, Rupert Parker in Miss Scarlet And The Duke.