Time: cast of BBC drama starring Sean Bean and Stephen Graham - and when it's on TV

BBC’s new prison drama Time is set to start on Sunday (6 June) evening.

Ruiniting actors Sean Bean and Stephen Graham after ten years, the three part series explores the harsh realities of the UK penal system.

We want to hear from you: let us know what you think about this story and be part of the debate in our comments section below

Here’s all you need to know about the cast of Time and when you can catch it on TV

What is Time about?

Time follows the life of a prisoner and prison officer inside the UK jail system.

The drama is written by UK screenwriter Jimmy McGovern, who wrote iconic shows like Accused, The Street, and Moving On.

Focusing on newly imprisoned teacher Mark Cobden (Sean Bean) and prison officer Eric McNally (Stephen Graham), the drama will explore the choices made by the characters inside the prison system.

A synopsis of the show shared: “Mark Cobden (Sean Bean) is newly imprisoned, consumed by guilt for his crime, and way out of his depth in the volatile world of prison life. He meets Eric McNally (Stephen Graham), an excellent prison officer doing his best to protect those in his charge.

"However, when one of the most dangerous inmates identifies his weakness, Eric faces an impossible choice; between his principles and his family."

Who’s in the cast of Time?

Sean Bean - Mark Cobden

Game of Thrones star Sean Bean will play Mark Cobden, a teacher who killed an innocent man by accident.

Bean has previously acted alongside his co-star Stephen Graham in Jimmy McGovern's anthology series, The Accused, in 2012.

The actor has been a familiar face on the big screen and small, after becoming a star for his titular role in the TV series Sharpe.

Speaking about working with Jimmy McGovern again, Bean said: “Getting to be involved in a Jimmy McGovern drama again is a real privilege and it will be great to be reunited with Stephen. Mark Cobden is another of Jimmy’s complex and superbly written characters and I am looking forward to bringing him to life on screen.”

Stephen Graham - Eric McNally

Stephen Graham will play the role of prison officer Eric Reid.

Graham was seen on the small screen in police megadrama Line of Duty, and has also featured in various Hollywood movies, including Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman.

His character Eric McNally is a prison officer, who looks to be a nice guy, until one of the prisoners discovers a compromising secret that puts his family in danger.

Talking about the role he said: “It is an absolute honour to be working with Jimmy again, I’m feeling blessed. I can’t wait to get stuck in. Of course, I am made up to be back on set with Sean.”

The cast of Time also stars David Calder, Sue Johnston, Hannah Walters, Siobhan Finneran, Nadine Marshall, Michael Socha, Aneurin Barnard, Jack McMullen and James Nelson-Joyce.

When is Time on TV?

TIme will be airing on BBC One on Sunday 6 June at 9pm.

The full series will be available to stream immediately on BBC iPlayer after the first episode has aired.

How many episodes of Time are there?

Time is a three part series.

All three episodes will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer after the first episode airs on Sunday 6 June.