BBC unveils cast for 'unconventional' crime drama including Shetland and Sherlock stars

BBC Reveals Star-Studded Cast for New Crime Drama ‘Mint’

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has announced the high-profile cast for its upcoming crime drama, Mint. Described as a “darkly comedic and unconventional” series, Mint centers on the daughter of a criminal kingpin as she embarks on a quest for romance. The eagerly awaited show is set to feature a talented ensemble, promising a captivating narrative for viewers.

Synopsis: Love and Lawlessness in Glasgow

According to the official synopsis, “Mint” revolves around Shannon, the naive yet intensely romantic daughter of the region’s most powerful crime family. Shannon’s journey to find love unfolds against the backdrop of her family: her gangster father Dylan, devoted mother Cat, older brother Luke, and formidable grandmother, Ollie, the family matriarch.

Having lived a sheltered life within the bizarre and often violent world of the ‘family business’, Shannon’s life is poised for upheaval with the arrival of Arran. The narrative promises a blend of intense romance, devastating heartbreak, love, obsession, darkness, and tragedy. Shannon’s story is about self-discovery as she navigates the eccentricities of life within a criminal empire and pursues her own definition of power in Glasgow.

Leading Cast Members Announced

Emma Laird, recognized for her role in “The Brutalist,” will star as Shannon. Rising star Ben Coyle-Larner is slated to portray Arran, a character anticipated to significantly impact Shannon’s world.

The cast also includes:

• Lewis Gribben (known from “Shetland”) as brother Luke
• Lindsay Duncan (of “Sherlock” fame) as the imposing grandmother Ollie
• Laura Fraser (“The Missing”) as Cat
• Sam Riley (“Control”) as Dylan

Behind the Camera: Charlotte Regan’s Vision

Mint, an eight-part drama, is the creation of filmmaker Charlotte Regan, celebrated for her 2023 Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize-winning movie “Scrapper.” Regan serves as writer, director, and executive producer for the series.

Production and Release Details

Filming for this new crime drama is currently underway in Glasgow. Mint is scheduled to premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, although an official launch date is yet to be announced. Viewers are eagerly awaiting further details regarding the release of this highly anticipated series.

Creator’s Enthusiasm for the Project

Regan expressed her excitement about the cast, stating, “I had a little cry the other day thinking about how incredible this cast are. Absolute emotional wreck.” She further added, “But I honestly can’t imagine these characters being brought into the world by better human beings. Every single one of them is going to smash it, and I feel so grateful to have them all onboard.”

BBC Drama’s Perspective

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, praised the production when the series was commissioned in February 2024. She lauded Regan’s talent and expressed delight in working with her on her first project with the BBC.

Salt stated, “Mint is a crime drama unlike any other, originating from the brilliant mind of Charlotte Regan and the teams at Fearless Minds and House Productions.” She emphasized the series’ focus on the female characters within the family, offering a unique perspective on the realities of life adjacent to the criminal world. “I’m over the moon that Charlotte has chosen to work with the BBC on her first TV series,” Salt concluded.

Where to Watch

Premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer

Mint is slated to broadcast on BBC One and will be available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.