Holding cast 2022: who stars in ITV drama with Charlene McKenna and Brenda Fricker - and when is it on TV?

The murder mystery series is based on a novel by talkshow host Graham Norton
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Holding is a new four-part murder mystery series set in Ireland that airs on ITV.

The series is an adaptation of the debut novel of the Irish television personality Graham Norton.

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When the body of a local legend is discovered in the fictional village of Dundeen, police sergeant PJ Collins is tasked with solving the first major crime of his career.

In the course of his investigations, Collins finds himself connecting with the village he has long wanted to distance himself from.

Fringed with a dry deadpan humour, and featuring an eccentric cast of locals, the show puts a fresh spin on the classic whodunnit.

Here is everything you need to know about the main cast of ITV’s latest drama.

Who are the main cast of Holding?

Conleth Hill as Sergeant PJ Collins

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Collins is an unassuming policeman in a quiet village that doesn’t have much call for bobbies on the beat.

But after the body of Tommy Burke, a village local who has been missing for years, is discovered Collins must whip out his police notebook and step up.

Almost unrecognisable with a full head of hair, Conleth is known for playing the machiavellian schemer Varys in the high fantasy epic Game of Thrones.

Hill also played Alan Conway in the crime series adapted from Anthony Horowitz’s Magpie Murders.

Clinton Liberty (left) as Linus Dunne and Conleth Hill as PJ CollinsClinton Liberty (left) as Linus Dunne and Conleth Hill as PJ Collins
Clinton Liberty (left) as Linus Dunne and Conleth Hill as PJ Collins

Siobhán McSweeney as Bríd Riordan

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Riordan is a village local who had been due to marry Tommy when he went missing.

Though apparently devastated by her would-be husband’s disappearance and death, Riordan remains a suspect in the case.

McSweeney will be recognised for her role as Sister Michael in Northern Irish comedy drama series Derry Girls.

She is also due to appear in another crime drama, Redemption, due for release in 2022.

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Her non-acting roles include presenting The Great Pottery Throw Down and as a contestant on The Great British Bake Off.

Siobhán McSweeney plays Bríd RiordanSiobhán McSweeney plays Bríd Riordan
Siobhán McSweeney plays Bríd Riordan

Charlene McKenna as Evelyn Ross

As the investigation into Tommy’s disappearance develops, it is revealed that he was not a one-woman kind of guy.

Evelyn Ross plays another woman to have featured heavily in Tommy’s life before his disappearance.

As the ‘other woman’, this places her as a prime suspect in the case.

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McKenna played a central role in the last two seasons of Peaky Blinders as Captain Swing, a cut-throat killer for the IRA.

She also played Eva in the biblical adaptation A.D. and prostitute Rose Erskine in the historical drama Ripper Street.

Charlene McKenna plays Evelyn RoCharlene McKenna plays Evelyn Ro
Charlene McKenna plays Evelyn Ro

Clinton Liberty as Linus Dunne

Detective Superintendent Linus Dunne has been brought in to take over the case and sideline Collins.

However, as Collins starts to show his enthusiasm and abilities, Dunne allows him more of an active role in the investigation.

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Liberty is a relative newcomer to the small screen - his biggest role before Holding was as Kiernan in Normal People.

He also played Marcus in the English language Danish political thriller series Red Election.

Who is in the supporting cast?

Several other actors fill out the Holding cast of villagers and potential suspects. They include: Amy Conroy, Helen Behan, Brenda Fricker, Pauline McLynn, Eleanor Tiernan, Gary Shelford, Lochlann O’Mearáin, Sky Yang, Demi Isaac Oviawe, Calum Rea, and Jane Spollen.

When is Holding on TV?

Episode 2 of Holding airs on ITV at 9pm on 21 March. Episode 3 and 4 will air at the same time on 28 March and 4 April.

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All four episodes of the series are available to watch now on the ITV Hub and on BritBox.

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