Viewers are hooked on ITV's spooky and chilling adaptation of Luther creator Neil Cross' book, Burial, about a man, Nathan (Russell Tovey), hiding a terrible secret involving the disappearance of his wife's sister.

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ITV's The Sister also stars Doctor Foster's Bertie Carvel as the sinister Bob, who in episode one barged his way into Nathan's home, his presence threatening to unravel the life Nathan has so carefully constructed for himself and for wife Holly (Amrita Acharia).

The first episode introduced us to the spooky filming locations for The Sister, dwelling on the supernatural and suggesting that Nathan may be haunted in more ways than one – and if viewers are wondering if The Sister is based on a true story, it turns out that the show was inspired by a murderous dream and (no surprises) a haunted house.

Read on for everything you need to know about The Sister's cast and characters.

Russell Tovey plays Nathan

The Sister
ITV

Who is Nathan? In almost every respect an ordinary man and husband - except for an incident that happened years ago, before he met his wife Holly. All he wants is her happiness, and to protect her at all costs. However, a secret he has kept buried is about to be unearthed - literally.

In episode one, we learnt that Nathan had attended the same New Year's Eve party where Holly's sister Elise was last seen before her disappearance - and that there was an immediate sexual attraction between Nathan and Elise, as they made eyes at each other across the dance floor.

Where have I seen Russell Tovey before? You probably recognise Tovey from various leading television roles, including Jake in ITV's Flesh and Blood, and as Daniel Lyons in BBC One drama Years and Years. He's also starred in Being Human (as werewolf George), Supergirl, Grabbers, The History Boys, Banished, The Night Manager, and Freedom Fighters: The Ray.

Amrita Acharia plays Holly Fox

The Sister
ITV

Who is Holly Fox? An estate agent who met her husband-to-be, Nathan, back in 2013: three years after the fateful New Year's Eve party when her beloved younger sister, Elise, went missing. She and Nathan are trying for a child in the present day, but they're struggling to conceive.

She has no idea that Nathan was there at the party where Elise was last seen - or that they appear to have met and shared a romantic connection.

Where have I seen Amrita Acharia before? The actress is best known for playing Irri in Game of Thrones, and Dr Ruby Walker in The Good Karma Hospital. She's also starred in Acquitted , I Am Yours, and Red Dwarf.

Bertie Carvel plays Bob

The Sister
ITV

Who is Bob? A mysterious, down-on-his-luck figure from Nathan's past with a keen interest in the supernatural.

In episode one, we saw a flashback that revealed who Bob really was: Bob Morrow, a formerly popular "ghost whisperer" who appeared on the radio show Nathan was working on back in 2009. Both men were both present at the New Year's Eve party Elise Fox attended prior to her disappearance.

Where have I seen Bertie Carvel before? Carvel is probably best known for playing Doctor Foster's cheating husband, Simon Foster. He's also starred in the likes of Les Misérables, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, The Crown (as Robin Day), Baghdad Central, and The Pale Horse.

Simone Ashley plays Elise Fox

The Sister
ITV

Who is Elise Fox? Holly's spirited younger sister who went missing on New Year's Eve in 2009, and hasn't been heard from since.

Where have I seen Simone Ashley before? She's best known for playing popular girl Olivia in the Netflix teen comedy drama series Sex Education. She's also starred in the likes of Broadchurch and Strike.

Nina Toussiant-White plays Jacki Hadley

The Sister
Jacki (far left) in The Sister ITV

Who is Jacki Hadley? An ambitious police detective and friend of Holly's.

Where have I seen Nina Toussiant-White? Toussiant-White is perhaps best known for starring in BBC One's Bodyguard (as Rayburn); The Feed (as Kate Hatfield); Doctor Who; and GameFace.

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You can order Neil Cross’ Burial from Amazon. The Sister will air on ITV on 26th October 2020. Check out what else is on with our TV Guide, or take a look at our new TV shows 2020 page to find out what's airing this autumn and beyond.

Authors

Flora CarrDrama Writer, RadioTimes.com
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