If 2026 hasn’t made you ugly cry enough already, don’t worry, BBC One’s new series Babies will absolutely do the trick. The six-part drama centres on a young couple, Lisa and Stephen, as they navigate the heartbreak of struggling to conceive and the devastating reality of pregnancy loss. Yes, it’s going to break your heart in the very best, most cathartic way.
The series debuted on 30 March to rave reviews, with viewers describing it as “gripping, warm and urgent.” It’s already shaping up to be one of the year’s most talked-about TV shows, blending raw emotion with deeply relatable storytelling. So, who brings this bittersweet love story to life? Here’s a full roundup of the actors and characters in Babies.
Full Babies cast
- Paapa Essiedu as Stephen
- Siobhán Cullen as Lisa
- Jack Bannon as Dave
- Charlotte Riley as Amanda
- Nadine Marshall as Patty
- Gary Beadle as Kevin
- Carla Freeman as Kimberley
- Elizabeth Rider as Jenny
- Ryan McKen as Matt
- Simona Brown as Bella
- Zion Veerapen-Bernard as Daniel
- Lewis Hart as Jim
- Luke Norris as Harry
- Rosie Raven as Ruth
- Arabella Smith-James as Maisie
- Tristan Wright as Charlie
Meet the cast of Babies
Playing Stephen, one half of the couple the series revolves around, we have Paapa Essiedu. Stephen is an aspiring father and Lisa's partner. “He's an ordinary guy who's having to face some big questions,” says Essiedu.
The talented Essiedu most recently made headlines for his casting as Severus Snape in the new Harry Potter series. He's had major TV roles in Gangs of London, The Capture, and I May Destroy You, and appeared in films like Murder on the Orient Express and Anne Boleyn.
Now, for Stephen's partner, Lisa, played by Siobhán Cullen. Lisa suffers multiple miscarriages and faces a tough grieving period as she tries to deal with the loss. According to actress Siobhán Cullen, she is “struggling with the first grown-up obstacle that she's ever had to overcome."
The Irish actress landed her first major screen role in Eoin Macken's horror film The Inside. She has since starred in The Obituary, Dalgliesh, Bodkin, The Dry, The Long Call, and series 2 of BBC legal drama The Split.
Now for the couple's support system. As Stephen's unserious bestie, Dave, we have Jack Bannon. Dave struggles to move beyond light-hearted banter with Stephen, even in this period of difficulty and loss.
In a very different type of role, Jack starred in Pennyworth as the titular role of Alfred Pennyworth. He also appeared in The Darkness, Andor, Pulse, and Endeavour. He’s currently filming Tomb Raider alongside Sophie Turner, which is slated for a 2027 release.
Dave's girlfriend, Amanda, is played by Charlotte Riley. Successful and driven, Amanda is enjoying their new, sexually charged relationship, but has a difficult past still following her.
Before Margot took the mantle, Charlotte Riley played Catherine Earnshaw in ITV's adaptation of Wuthering Heights. She has also appeared in Peaky Blinders, Easy Virtue, London Has Fallen, Edge of Tomorrow, and Malice, and has been recently cast in the upcoming Masters of the Universe film.
Stephen's mum, Patty is played by Nadine Marshall. She'll appear later in the series as we learn more about Lisa and Stephen's fertility journey.
Marshall is a big name, having previously been featured in Protection, Waterloo Road, Save Me, and Time, as well as Trigger Point and Silent Witness.
As for Stephen's father, Kevin, we've got Gary Beadle taking up the role. He'll also appear in later episodes.
Gary Beadle is probably best known for playing Paul Trueman in over 300 episodes of EastEnders. He’s also appeared in beloved shows, including Death in Paradise, Holby City, Andor, Casualty, The Bill, and Netflix’s The Gentleman.
Cue nervous laughter.
Playing Bella, who shares a child with Dave, we have Simona Brown. We're curious to learn more about her character.
Brown has a long list of acting credits, including The Casual Vacancy, The Night Manager, Guilt, Kiss Me First, The Little Drummer Girl, Outlander, Grantchester, Behind Her Eyes, and I Am Natalie.
Now for a little one! Zion Veerapen-Bernard plays Daniel, Dave and Bella's son. This is his first on-screen credit.
Babies is available to watch every Monday on BBC One or BBC iPlayer.
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