Detective drama Before We Die is back for season 2 and premieres this Sunday (25th June) on Channel 4.

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While the first season was a remake of Walter Presents' Swedish original, this second season will be going out on its own for a darker, grittier turn of events.

The crime-drama stars Lesley Sharp as Hannah Laing, a Bristol-based detective who is reeling from the murder of her colleague and lover Sean when she discovers that her estranged son Christian is involved with the family responsible for his death – but working as a police informant.

Set in the filming location of Bristol, Before We Die features an impressive cast made up of established British actors and up-and-coming stars – from Vincent Regan to Issy Knopfler.

Here's everything you need to know about the cast of Before We Die and where you'll have seen them before.

Lesley Sharp plays Hannah Laing

Hannah Laing in Before We Die standing on some stairs
Hannah Laing (Lesley Sharp) in Before We Die. Sofie Gheysens/Channel 4

Who is Hannah? Hannah is a detective inspector with the South Western Police's Organised Crime Unit, trying to resist being pushed into early retirement. She is estranged from her son Christian, having had him arrested for possession of drugs with intent to supply. She's divorced from his father and lives alone, but is having an affair with one of her married colleagues, Sean.

Where have I seen Lesley Sharp before? Lesley Sharp is best known for starring as Janet Scott in ITV's Scott & Bailey, Clocking Off, Bob & Rose and Afterlife. She has also appeared in films such as The Full Monty, Rita, Sue and Bob Too, Naked, Priest and Vera Drake.

Patrick Gibson plays Christian Radic

Christian Radic wearing a grey t-shirt
Before We Die: Christian Radic. Sofie Gheysens/Channel 4

Who is Christian Radic? Christian is the son of Hannah and her Croatian ex-husband. He recently served a 21-month sentence in prison after his mother organised his arrest for possession with intent to supply drugs to teach him a lesson. Since leaving prison, he has begun working as a dish-washer at the Mimicas' restaurant, having been introduced by prison mate Stefan Vargic. Now in season 2, he's holed up with Bianca in Costa Rica – but not for long.

Where have I seen Patrick Gibson before? Gibson is best known for starring as Steve Winchell in Netflix's The OA, and for appearing in The White Princess, Primeval, The Tudors and war-comedy Their Finest. He also appeared in Tolkien alongside Nicholas Hoult and Lily Collins.

Vincent Regan plays Billy Murdoch

Vincent Regan in Before We Die wearing a blue jumper
Billy Murdock (Vincent Regan) in Before We Die. Sofie Gheysens/Channel 4

Who is Billy Murdoch? Billy is a new member of the Organised Crime Unit, having been seconded there as a specialist in Eastern European drug gangs. He's divorced with a 16-year-old and tends to use his contacts and military background to circumvent the police's bureaucratic labyrinth.

Where have I seen Vincent Regan before? Regan began his TV career in ITV's London's Burning before going on to appear in films such as 300, Troy, Clash of the Titans, Snow White and the Huntsman and Vendetta. As for TV, he's appeared in Flesh and Blood, Traces, Poldark, Victoria and Vera among other shows. More recently, he's featured in Luther: The Fallen Sun.

Kazia Pelka plays Dubravka Mimica

Kazia Pelka having her hand kissed
Before We Die: Dubravka Mimica. Channel 4

Who is Dubravka Mimica? Dubravka is the Mimica family matriarch who moved her family from Croatia to the UK after the civil war and saved to open 'the smallest pizza place in Bristol'. She now owns the Vino Montana restaurant and is a welcoming host, but fiercely protective of her family.

Where have I seen Kazia Pelka before? Pelka has appeared in Brookside, Heartbeat, The Bill, Doctors and Casualty, among other shows.

Issy Knopfler plays Bianca Mimica

Bianca hugging a man
Before We Die: Bianca. Channel 4

Who is Bianca Mimica? Bianca is the youngest child of the Mimica family, born in England and uninvolved in her brother's criminal activities. In season 2, Bianca and Christian are hiding out in Costa Rica until they discover they're not as safe as they thought.

Where have I seen Issy Knopfler before? Before We Die is Knopfler's first big TV role, however she's due to star in upcoming film Everything I Ever Wanted to Tell My Daughter About Men.

Steve Toussaint plays Leonard Kane

Steve Toussaint wearing police uniform
Before We Die: Leonard Kane. Channel 4

Who is Leonard Kane? Kane is a local superintendent for South Western Police who oversees the OCU.

Where have I seen Steve Toussaint before? Toussaint has appeared in It's A Sin, Our Girl, Killed by My Debt, Death in Paradise, DCI Banks and Line of Duty.

Priyanga Burford as Nicky Harris

Priyanga Burford in Before We Die, lying in the bath with the phone to her ear
Priyanga Burford in Before We Die. Channel 4

Who is Nicky Harris? Nicky is a brand new character for season 2 and is head of the task force appointed to investigate the explosion that happened at the end of season 1.

Where have I seen Priyanga Burford before? Burford is no stranger to a tense drama, as she's most recently starred in Steeltown Murders, but has also appeared in Silent Witness, Casualty, The Thick Of It and James Bond film No Time To Die.

Mark Strepan as Goran

Who is Goran? Goran is Dubravka's nephew and has been sent by Zagreb because they're concerned about his aunt.

Where have I seen Mark Strepan before? Strepan is perhaps best known for his role as Stefan Kowolski in New Blood, but has also appeared in Call the Midwife, Strike Back and Clique.

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Before We Die season 2 airs on Channel 4 and All4 on Saturday 25th June 2023 at 9pm. Check out our Drama hub for more news, interviews and features or find something to watch with our TV guide.Take part in the Screen Test, a project from Radio Times and the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, to explore the role of television and audio in our lives.Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Lauren Morris
Lauren MorrisEntertainment and Factual Writer
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