The Pursuit of Love cast: who stars in the BBC drama with Lily James, Dominic West and Emily Beecham?

BBC’s new three-part series, The Pursuit of Love, began on Sunday evening (9 May), as viewers got their first taste of Emily Mortimer’s adaption of Nancy Mitford’s classic novel.

Starring Lily James as the mischievous Linda Radlett (James), her beloved cousin Fanny Logan (Emily Beecham) and Radlett attempt to entertain themselves whilst living in the confines of Alconleigh, learning about romance and sorrow as they go.

Here’s all you need to know about the cast of The Pursuit of Love.

Who’s in the cast of The Pursuit of Love?

Lily James as Linda Radlett

Lily James stars as the show's protagonist, Linda Radlett. James is known for roles in Downton Abbey and Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again.

Linda’s described as a "free-spirited, passionate, impulsive" character who takes a rather different approach to finding a husband than her cousin, Fanny.

Speaking to the BBC about her new role, Lily said she could relate to elements of Linda. "I was attracted to the story as the two women are so linked but so different," she said. "The choices she makes at times feel harsh and quite brutal but I instinctively feel I understand her and love her deeply. I recognise a lot of myself in her."

Emily Beecham as Fanny Logan

Emily Beecham plays Linda’s cousin, Fanny Logan. Beecham can be recognised for her roles in BBC’s The Village and the film, Little Joe, as well as upcoming film, Cruella.

Fanny acts as the show’s narrator, telling viewers of the trials and tribulations that both she and Linda face on their quest for romance.

Dominic West as Uncle Matthew

Dominic West has described his character, Uncle Matthew, as a “frightening patriarchal figure”. Fans will recognise West from HBO’s critically acclaimed,The Wire, and The Affair.

Uncle Matthew is the father of Linda Radlett, and the uncle of Fanny Logan. He rules over the household with an iron fist.

Andrew Scott as Lord Merlin

Fleabag and His Dark Materials actor, Andrew Scott, stars as the Radletts’ mischievous neighbour, Lord Merlin. Scott has described the character as “audacious and free with his attitude towards love, life and sex and art”.

The actor has also appeared in several films, including Sherlock, Spectre and Pride.

Emily Mortimer as Fanny's mother, The Bolter

Show writer and director, Emily Mortimer, also plays Fanny’s mother ‘The Bolter’.

The wayward mother abandoned her daughter to be raised by her aunt and uncle. Fans will recognise Mortimer for her roles in Shutter Island and Mary Poppins Returns.

Dolly Wells as Aunt Sadie

Linda's mother and Fanny's Aunt Sadie is portrayed by Dolly Wells. Wells will be known to TV fans for her work in BBC's Dracula, and she also starred in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.

Wells also previously worked with Mortimer in the British episodic TV comedy, Doll & Em.

Annabel Mullion as Aunt Emily

Annabel Mullion plays Aunt Emily, the woman who raised Fanny after her mum departed.

Mullian has featured in TV series, Patrick Melrose, alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, and ITV’s Victoria.

Freddie Fox as Tony Kroesig

Tony Kroesig enters the story as a student at Oxford who catches Linda's eye before going on to become a politician.

The actor who plays him, Freddie Fox, has starred in shows like White House Farm, The Crown as Mark Thatcher and The Great.

What is The Pursuit of Love about?

Adapted and directed by award-winning actor Emily Mortimer (Mary Poppins Returns), the romantic comedy-drama stars Lily James (Mamma Mia!: Here We Go Again, Cinderella) as the fearless Linda Radlett, and Emily Beecham (Little Joe, Cruella) as her best friend and cousin Fanny Logan.

Fanny Logan is sent to the confines of the Radlett family home, Alconleigh, to live under the wing of her uncle Matthew Radlett (West), after her mother ‘The Bolter’, abandons her whilst she is a baby. Logan’s cousin, Linda Radlett, encourages her to go on adventures as her head is filled with nothing but romantic fantasies.

"Consumed by a desire for love and marriage the two women are on the hunt for an ideal husband, but their friendship is put to the test when they choose very different paths. Whilst Fanny settles for a steady life, Linda decides to follow her heart, to increasingly wild and outrageous places," a teaser shares.

Where was The Pursuit of Love filmed?

Filming for The Pursuit of Love took place in 2020 in the Bristol and Bath area, as well as Paris, France.

How do I watch The Pursuit of Love?

The Pursuit of Love is broadcast on BBC One on Sundays at 9pm. Episode two and three will air weekly, lasting for an hour each.

Alternatively you can watch the full series online straight away on BBC iPlayer, with all three episodes of the series available.

Outside the UK, the series will be available on Amazon Prime Video in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.