As anticipation continues to build for the BBC’s brand-new adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot novels, which will be a six-part series, some exciting cast additions have just been announced – with Death in Paradise favourite Ralf Little among the new names onboard for the crime drama, titled Hercule.
Also joining the previously-confirmed titular lead Edward Bluemel – who will take on the role of Poirot, described by the BBC as the “world’s greatest detective” – are Omari Douglas (Black Doves, It’s a Sin), Katherine Parkinson (Rivals), Natalie Quarry (Call the Midwife), Jessica Alexander (The Beauty), Honor Swinton Byrne (War), Paul Forman (Emily in Paris), Arthur Hughes (Shardlake), River Medway (Here & Now, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK), and Toby Stephens (Jane Eyre).
Filming for Hercule is already underway, and we’ve had a first glimpse at James Nesbitt (The Missing) on set. Undergoing his period drama transformation for this unconfirmed character, the popular actor was pictured in a black top hat and matching coat, looking stern with a thick moustache.
James Stack//BBC
Related: Best streaming services UK 2026 – including Disney Plus, Netflix, iPlayer and Apple TV
An official first look of Edward Bluemel as the iconic fictional detective Poirot has also previously been unveiled, showing the character wearing a sharp tailored suit, boasting his signature moustache, and clutching his hat.
The show’s synopsis, shared by the BBC, has revealed that the new series “chronicles the story of the world’s greatest detective – and how he became it”.
“The series is an intimate study of Hercule Poirot the man and an epic portrait of Britain between the wars,” the description adds. “The series will centre around three of Christie’s early stories, while also introducing Hercule Poirot to future friends and allies and one particular nemesis…”
While additional character details remain a mystery, other actors previously confirmed for the BBC’s Hercule are:
• Jack Gleeson (House of Guinness)
• Mawaan Rizwan (Juice, The Split Up)
• Tamsin Greig (Riot Women)
• Henry Ashton (A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder)
• James D’Arcy (Oppenheimer, Grace)
• Calvin Demba (Supacell)
• Phil Dunning (Smoggie Queens)
• Guy Remmers (The Buccaneers)
• Rebecca Rittenhouse (His & Hers)
A release date has not yet been announced, however there are a number of Agatha Christie adaptations – including And Then There Were None and Towards Zero – to stream now on BBC iPlayer while you wait.
And don’t forget about Netflix’s Seven Dials which dropped earlier this year too.
Visit our Streaming Guide now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.
The new edition of Legends, a 100-page celebration of Dolly Parton’s life, is here. Buy Dolly in newsagents or online.
TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK’s biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world’s oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).