Blue Lights season 3 cast: Meet the stars of BBC police drama

The incredibly popular crime series Blue Lights is returning – and this season promises to be full of action for the PSNI team. It’s going to be a very eventful set of episodes!

Now that Annie (Katherine Devlin), Grace (Siân Brooke), and Tommy (Nathan Braniff) – the original recruits – have gained experience, things should be smoother for them, don’t you think?

Don’t expect anything predictable. The actors have hinted that the upcoming season will be both “intense and surprising”, and they also claim it will be the “best so far”.

The upcoming season promises to be just as current and impactful as previous ones. As co-creator Declan Lawn stated, it will explore “the workings of professional organizations alongside organized crime, and how paramilitary groups in Belfast are frequently controlled by international criminal networks who use the area as a transit point for major drug trafficking.”

He also explained that the show explores the sexual exploitation of children within the care system. While these storylines are completely made up, they are based on thorough research, giving them a sense of realism and authenticity.

The new season brings back familiar faces from the main cast, and also introduces some fresh talent, including Cathy Tyson from Dune: Prophecy and Michael Smiley, known for his role in Bad Sisters. So, let’s meet the cast – who plays who this season?

Read on for everything you need to know about the cast of Blue Lights season 3.

Blue Lights season 3 cast

Here’s the confirmed cast for season 3 of Blue Lights. Keep reading to learn more about who they play, and scroll down even further to find details on characters from past seasons.

  • Siân Brooke as Grace Ellis
  • Katherine Devlin as Annie Conlon
  • Nathan Braniff as Tommy Foster
  • Martin McCann as Stevie Neil
  • Joanne Crawford as Helen McNally
  • Andi Osho as Sandra Cliff
  • Andrea Irvine as Nicola Robinson
  • Frank Blake as Shane Bradley
  • Cathy Tyson as Dana Morgan
  • Michael Smiley as Paul ‘Colly’ Collins
  • Dearbháile McKinney as Aisling Byrne
  • Abigail McGibbon as Tina McIntyre
  • Charlie Maher as Fogerty
  • Aoife Hughes as Lindsay Singleton
  • Paula McFetridge as Marian
  • Patrick McBrearty as John O’Boyle

Siân Brooke plays Grace Ellis

Who is Grace Ellis? Grace used to be a social worker, known for being understanding and compassionate. Now, she’s a police constable with the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Having moved beyond her initial training, Grace is dealing with a resurfaced issue from her past while also working through her relationship with Stevie.

Where have I seen Siân Brooke? Siân Brooke is famous for playing Eurus Holmes in Sherlock, Deirdre Young in Good Omens, and Aemma Arryn in House of the Dragon. You might also recognize her from shows like Trying, The Terror, and Doctor Foster, among others.

Martin McCann plays Stevie Neil

Who is Stevie Neil? Stevie used to mentor Grace and helped her complete her probation. They also have a romantic relationship, and this season, they’re considering moving in together. In addition, Stevie recently received a promotion to Sergeant.

Where have I seen Martin McCann? McCann has acted in several TV shows like Marcella, The Fall, Vera, Temple, and Say Nothing. He’s also been in films such as Clash of the Titans and ’71.

Katherine Devlin plays Annie Conlon

Who is Annie Conlon? Annie is a police constable with the PSNI, and she began her service around the same time as Grace. This season, the show explores both her personal struggles and the challenges she faces on the job every day.

Where have I seen Katherine Devlin? Katherine Devlin is new to leading roles, but you might recognize her from The Dig, a film from 2018, and a single episode of the series Vikings. Blue Lights is her first significant part.

Nathan Braniff plays Tommy Foster

Who is Tommy Foster? Tommy is a police constable working with the PSNI, and he started his job at the same time as Grace and Annie. He’s now in a relationship with Aisling, and they share a home with Annie. However, the demands of their jobs are causing difficulties in their relationship.

Where have I seen Nathan Braniff? Blue Lights is Braniff’s first on-screen role.

Joanne Crawford plays Helen McNally

Who is Helen McNally? Helen is now the Inspector leading the PSNI team. She received this promotion after Jonty left. This season, someone from her past unexpectedly appears at the station, requesting her assistance with a case.

Where have I seen Joanne Crawford? Joanne Crawford is a recognizable actress, having appeared in popular TV shows like Line of Duty, The Fall, and Chosen. She’s also been in films such as Ballywalter and To All My Darlings.

Andi Osho plays Sandra Cliff

Who is Sandra Cliff? After her husband Gerry passed away in season 1, Sandra’s role changed at the police station. She’s no longer the main custody sergeant; instead, she’s been promoted to lead the section as its skipper.

Where have I seen Andi Osho? Andi Osho is an actress who has appeared in many popular TV shows and films. Some of her most notable roles are in series like Good Omens, Sex Education, You & Me, The Sandman, Breeders, Stay Close, Line of Duty, I May Destroy You and Death in Paradise. She also starred in the DC movie Shazam!

Frank Blake plays Shane Bradley

Shane Bradley? Oh, I’m a big fan! He’s a constable who joined the show in season 2, and he’s paired with Annie. It’s so sweet – they definitely have a romantic connection, and I really enjoy watching them together!

I think I recognize Frank Blake from somewhere… Oh, that’s right! He was Alan in the TV series based on Sally Rooney’s Normal People. I also remember him playing Declan Fraser in Sanditon.

Andrea Irvine plays Nicola Robinson

Who is Nicola Robinson? Nicola is the assistant chief constable at the police station, and this season, she faces a direct threat that highlights the risks involved in her line of work.

Where have I seen Andrea Irvine? Andrea Irvine is an actress who has appeared in several TV shows and movies, such as Ella Enchanted, The Fall, Line of Duty, Red Rock, and Dead Shot.

Cathy Tyson as Dana Morgan

Who is Dana Morgan? Dana is the owner of a members-only club in Belfast, but her background is more complex than it appears. According to Tyson, who discussed her character, Dana “is like everybody else and there is a vulnerability to her.” He explained that while she seems strong, she isn’t overconfident. He added that she feels she always has to be on guard, and living that way is incredibly tiring.

Where have I seen Cathy Tyson? Cathy Tyson is an actress known for her work in several popular projects. You might recognize her from Criminal Record, Boiling Point, The Sandman, Dune: Prophecy, and Help. Over the course of her career, she’s also appeared in productions like Night & Day, Band of Gold, and Mona Lisa.

Michael Smiley as Paul ‘Colly’ Collins

Who is Paul ‘Colly’ Collins? Colly used to mentor and know Helen, and now he’s involved in intelligence work. He needs Helen’s assistance with a current investigation and attempts to pull her back into a life of crime.

Where have I seen Michael Smiley? Smiley is recognizable from his appearances in shows like Black Mirror, Bad Sisters, Dead Still, and Luther. He’s also been in Bleak House, Wire in the Blood, Obituary, and Alien: Earth.

Dearbháile McKinney as Aisling Byrne

Who is Aisling Byrne? Aisling is now dating Tommy and they are living together, which seemed promising. However, after a difficult experience, she finds herself feeling more emotionally vulnerable than before.

Where have I seen Dearbháile McKinney? McKinney has appeared in the shows and films Kneecap, Murder Most Puzzling, Malpractice, and Derry Girls.

Blue Lights cast – seasons 1 and 2

Hannah McClean plays Jen Robinson

Who is Jen Robinson? Jen used to be a police officer, but she quit the PSNI after Gerry Cliff died at the end of season 1. Currently, she’s training to become a solicitor.

Where have I seen Hannah McClean? McClean has appeared in smaller parts on shows like Josh and Sick Note before.

Jonathan Harden plays David ‘Jonty’ Johnston

Who is David ‘Jonty’ Johnston? Jonty used to be the leading inspector at the police station, but he had to leave his job when his relationship with Jen, a subordinate officer, became public. Later, in season 2, he’s asked to come back to the station, but in a less senior role, so they can benefit from his skills and experience.

Where have I seen Jonathan Harden? Jonathan Harden is an actor who has appeared in several TV shows and movies. You might recognize him from series like Sherwood, Time Unforgotten, and Peep Show. He’s also been in films including Victoria & Abdul and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Desmond Eastwood plays Murray Canning

Who is Murray Canning? He’s a detective sergeant currently in charge of a Paramilitary Crime Taskforce. In season 2, he’s focused on investigating loyalist paramilitary groups.

Where have I seen Desmond Eastwood? Desmond Eastwood has been in several popular shows like Blood, Normal People, Vikings, and Derry Girls. He’s also acted in films such as In the Land of Saints and Sinners and The Last Rifleman.

Paddy Jenkins plays Happy Kelly

Who is Happy Kelly? Happy is Gerry’s friend from when they were children. He experienced a difficult past and sometimes wished to be arrested, feeling it would alleviate his loneliness. During the second season, Jen investigates an event from Happy’s past, hoping to help him heal and move forward.

Have I seen Paddy Jenkins before? That’s a good question! I definitely recognize the face. He’s popped up in a few things I’ve enjoyed, like Bel’s Boys, the comedy series Give My Head Peace, the Oscar-winning short film An Irish Goodbye, and most recently, The Last Rifleman. He’s building a really solid career for himself.

Seamus O’Hara plays Lee Thompson

Who is Lee Thompson? A Protestant from east Belfast who gets caught up in a loyalist feud.

Where have I seen Seamus O’Hara before? You might recognize the actor from his work in An Irish Goodbye and Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves.

Seána Kerslake plays Mags Thompson

Who is Mags Thompson? She is Lee’s sister. Together with her brother Lee, she co-owns The Loyal pub located in Mount Eden, Belfast.

Where have I seen Seána Kerslake before? Kerslake has appeared in the thriller series Smother, and also the comedies Bad Sisters and Ballywalter.

Craig McGinlay plays Craig McQuarrie

Who is Craig? Lee’s right-hand man.

Where else have I seen Craig McGinlay? Craig McGinlay has appeared in several TV shows, including Cobra, You, Outlander, and Knightfall.

Dan Gordon plays Rab Thompson

Who is Rab? Mags and Lee’s uncle.

Where else have I seen Dan Gordon? Gordon is most famous for playing Noel Timoney in Bloodland, and Garda Summers in the Northern Irish drama film Doineann.

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2025-09-29 16:08