Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

As a devoted fan of British television, I must say that it’s always a treat to see familiar faces in new productions. The cast of Sherwood certainly doesn’t disappoint!


As a longtime fan of historical dramas with a soft spot for Robin Hood tales, I couldn’t be more excited about the return of BBC One’s Sherwood this weekend! Having grown up hearing stories about Nottinghamshire and its legendary outlaw, I can hardly wait to dive back into the world of this gripping series. The new season promises to introduce us to fresh characters and intriguing narratives that are sure to keep me on the edge of my seat. I have a feeling that this will be another fantastic journey through Sherwood Forest, and I’m eagerly anticipating every twist and turn along the way!

Composed by James Graham, this current version of events is purely a work of imagination, delving into topics such as crime, contemporary mining, and organized groups.

In its second run, you’ll notice several fresh additions in the form of Monica Dolan and David Harewood. However, don’t forget that seasoned characters from the first season such as Ian St Clair (David Morrissey), Julie Jackson (Lesley Manville), and Daphne Sparrow (Lorraine Ashbourne) are making a comeback too.

“In modern times, the story introduces us to two fresh families who become embroiled with the Sparrows. They navigate a tangled network involving neighborhood gangs, longstanding feuds, vengeance, and deceit.”

It continues: “Meanwhile, a newly appointed sheriff of Nottingham is passionately fighting against a proposed new mine for the area, which brings the promise of much needed jobs and prosperity, but also unwelcome reminders of the legacy that has mired the community for so long.”

Let’s discover who graces our screens in the second season of Sherwood! Here’s a rundown of the entire cast for this captivating series, with details about the actors and actresses who appeared in the first season as well.

Sherwood cast: Full list of characters and actors in season 2

As a long-time fan of the series “Sherwood,” I am eagerly awaiting the premiere of season 2. While I am always excited to see the full cast list, my interest is particularly piqued when it comes to the main characters and their backstories. Here’s why:

  • David Morrissey as Ian St Clair
  • Lesley Manville as Julie Jackson
  • Lorraine Ashbourne as Daphne Sparrow
  • Bill Jones as Ronan Sparrow
  • Perry Fitzpatrick as Rory Sparrow
  • Philip Jackson as Mickey Sparrow
  • Ria Zmitrowicz as Lisa Waters
  • Sharlene Whyte as Pam Bottomley
  • Bethany Asher as Stephie Bottomley
  • Oliver Huntingdon as Ryan Bottomley
  • David Harewood as Denis Bottomley
  • Aisling Loftus as Sandy Waters
  • Robert Emms as Samuel Warner
  • Monica Dolan as Ann Branson
  • Stephen Dillane as Roy Branson
  • Robert Lindsay as Franklin Warner
  • Christine Bottomley as Rachel Crossley
  • Michael Balogun as Harry Summers
  • Jorden Myrie as Marcus Clarke
  • Conor Deane as Kyre Branson

David Morrissey plays Ian St Clair

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

What is the current occupation of Ian St Clair? He was once a senior police officer in Nottingham but has since shifted focus to lead a Violence Intervention Team and is no longer with the police force.

He’s working on bringing social services together in order to prevent people turning to a life of crime, but his new role is proving difficult, especially when he feels the tug of his familiar policing role.

Have I encountered David Morrissey in any previous productions? Yes, he has appeared in various shows and films such as Sherlock Holmes (Season 1), The Walking Dead, The Other Boleyn Girl, Blitz, Welcome to the Punch, Britannia, The Singapore Grip, Good Omens, The Missing, and most recently in BBC’s Daddy Issues.

Lesley Manville plays Julie Jackson

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Inquiry Regarding: Who is Julie Jackson?

Have I encountered Lesley Manville in any previous roles? This actress, who was nominated for an Oscar, is famous for her performances in films like Phantom Thread (as Cyril), Another Year, Maleficent, Life After Life, and The Crown. She has also been seen more recently in Back to Black and Mrs Harris Goes to Paris. In the future, she will appear in Ryan Murphy’s Grotesquerie and a biopic about Margaret Thatcher.

Lorraine Ashbourne plays Daphne Sparrow

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Inquisitively speaking, who is Daphne Sparrow? Initially, we perceived her as a matriarch in a crime family during season 1; however, at the end of the first season, it was unveiled that she was, in fact, an undercover police officer, or as you might put it, a ‘spy cop’. In the forthcoming events, Daphne is compelled to grapple with the repercussions of this disclosure while simultaneously returning to the criminal world for the sake of safeguarding her kin.

Have I encountered Lorraine Ashbourne in any previous roles? She has a wide range of appearances, including Bridgerton, Alma’s Not Normal, The Crown, Cheat, Unforgotten, Jericho, and others.

Philip Jackson plays Mickey Sparrow

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

What can be said about Mickey Sparrow is that he is Daphne’s devoted spouse, and along with her, he managed an illicit drug operation, disguising it beneath their shared ventures of a taxi service and an archery range.

Have I encountered Philip Jackson in any previous roles? Yes, he has been featured in shows such as The Good Karma Hospital, Boomers, Peterloo, Raised by Wolves, Poirot, among others.

Perry Fitzpatrick plays Rory Sparrow

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Rory Sparrow can be described as the oldest child of Daphne and Micky, and he’s actively engaged in their shared business endeavors.

Have I encountered Perry Fitzpatrick somewhere due to his acting roles in shows like Line of Duty, Drifters, Hullraisers, This Is England ’86 and This Is England ’90? More recently he appeared in Without Sin and Man Like Mobeen.

Bill Jones plays Ronan Sparrow

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

What is Ronan Sparrow known as? He’s the young scion of the Sparrow clan. In season 1, he had a romantic entanglement with Cinderella, but now faces the challenge of uncovering family secrets and finding himself in precarious situations.

Have I encountered Bill Jones somewhere previously? He’s familiar from Peter Moffat’s BBC show The Village, as well as Casualty and Doctors.

Sharlene Whyte plays Pam Bottomley

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

I am a person who knows Pam Bottomley well. She’s not just anyone; she’s the loving adoptive mother of Stephie and Ryan, having stepped into their lives after the unfortunate demise of their father. Despite life’s challenges that come her way, she stands firm with unwavering family values, always there for her children in times of need.

Have you come across Sharlene Whyte in any of her previous works like The Story of Tracy Beaker, Stephen, Small Axe, We Hunt Together, or Waterloo Road?

David Harewood plays Denis Bottomley

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Denis is Pam’s sibling, whose life – together with that of his immediate family members – gets significantly disrupted when a tragic event occurs, leaving them to adapt to their changed circumstances.

Have I encountered David Harewood in any previous productions? He is well-known for acting in shows like Homeland, Supergirl, and The Night Manager, as well as hosting documentaries such as “David Harewood on Blackface” and “David Harewood: My Psychosis and Me.”

Bethany Asher plays Stephie Bottomley

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

I am a supporter, and I’m here to share some insights about Stephie Bottomley. She is the cherished daughter of Pam, and she shares a special bond with her mother and uncle. Despite living apart from her brother Ryan, she holds him close to her heart and deeply cares for his wellbeing.

Have you encountered Bethany Asher in any previous roles such as those found in Wild Bill, The Dumping Ground or Doctors?

Oliver Huntingdon plays Ryan Bottomley

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Ryan is Stephie’s elder brother who has been affected by limited opportunities in his region and is still struggling with the passing of their father. He’s resorted to illegal activities such as drug trafficking and associating with gangs, but he takes a turn for the worse when he becomes involved in a particularly heinous act.

Have you come across Oliver Huntingdon in a different context before? He’s most famously known for his role as Ivan Sertic in Happy Valley’s last season, but he has also acted in shows like The Rising, Silent Witness, The End of the F***ing World, and Grantchester.

Monica Dolan and Stephen Dillane play Ann and Roy Branson

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Who exactly are Ann and Roy Branson? Well, they’re the heads of a drug cartel situated in Ashfield, undeniably influential figures. Their network is vast, and they often seem to stay one step ahead of their adversaries, yet they harbor long-standing feuds with numerous individuals. However, when misfortune befalls them, retribution becomes their relentless pursuit.

Have you recognized Monica Dolan from any previous roles? She’s famous for her work in W1A, The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe, and A Very English Scandal. Lately, she has appeared in Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Black Mirror, and The Change.

Have you encountered Stephen Dillane in any of his previous television roles such as Game of Thrones (Stannis Baratheon), John Adams, The Tunnel, Alex Rider or Vigil?

Ria Zmitrowicz and Aisling Loftus play Lisa and Sandy Waters

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

What about this: “Who are Lisa Waters and her husband Sandy? They are a couple residing in Nottinghamshire, with Lisa recently appointed as the sheriff of Nottingham who is actively opposing plans for a new coal mine. Meanwhile, Sandy works in social services and frequently assists in caring for Stephie.”

Have I encountered Ria Zmitrowicz in any past television roles? Her TV work includes Youngers, Mr Selfridge, Three Girls, and most recently, The Power.

Have you noticed Aisling Loftus in any other productions aside from Mr Selfridge, A Discovery of Witches, The Midwich Cuckoos, Broken, or War & Peace?

Robert Emms and Robert Lindsay play Samuel and Franklin Warner

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Who are Samuel and Franklin Warner, you ask? They’re key figures from the affluent Warner family who wield significant influence in Nottingham. Given their status, it comes as no shock that they’re linked to the recently proposed plan for a state-of-the-art coal mine nearby.

Have I encountered Robert Emms in any other productions apart from Chernobyl, Line of Duty, Atlantis, Four Lives, Andor, and The Reckoning?

Have I encountered Robert Lindsay in any past performances? He’s a renowned actor who has graced both stage and screen with his talent, most notably through his portrayals in My Family, Jericho, Spy, Bull, and Atlantis.

Christine Bottomley plays Rachel Crossley

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Who does the identity of Rachel Crossley reveal itself to be, following her encounter with Ronan that led him to discover her true nature within the Sparrows?

Have I encountered Christine Bottomley in any previous productions? Yes, she has appeared in Early Doors, Hope Springs, The End of the F***ing World, Back to Life, as well as Domina and The Nest. Moreover, you might recognize her from The Nest and Channel 5’s upcoming series, The Wives.

Michael Balogun plays Harry Summers

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Who is Harry Summers? He’s the recently appointed Division Commander, taking over from Ian St Clair. However, he harbors some personal secrets that could resurface with the sensitive case now on his table, potentially causing trouble.

Have you ever watched any of Michael Balogun’s movies or TV shows? He has been in Top Boy, War of the Worlds, and You Don’t Know Me.

Sherwood season 1 cast

Robert Glenister plays Detective Inspector Kevin Salisbury

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Who is DI Kevin Salisbury? A metropolitan police officer nearing the end of his career.

“Robert Glenister expresses that his character likely doesn’t desire to go to Nottingham due to its association with past events. However, a large investigation arises and he finds himself with no other option – either he travels or he faces compulsory retirement.”

Have I encountered Robert Glenister in a previous role? He is most famously recognized for his performances in shows such as Hustle and Spooks (portraying the Home Secretary), and more recently, he’s been featured in Strike, Suspicion, Isolation Stories, Curfew, Cold Feet, and The Aeronauts.

Adeel Akhtar plays Andy Fisher

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Who is Andy Fisher? He’s a native of Nottingham who works as a train driver, and he happens to be the father of the groom, Neel, from episode 1.

Have you encountered Adeel Akhtar in any previous roles? You may remember him from Sweet Tooth on Netflix, or as Lestrade in Enola Holmes. He’s also well-known for Four Lions, Utopia, The Big Sick, Killing Eve, Back to Life, and the BBC One adaptation of Les Misérables.

Joanne Froggatt plays Sarah Vincent

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Who is Sarah Vincent? She’s campaigning to be a local councillor, and is engaged to Neel Fisher.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’d say, “I, myself, am vying for the role of local councilor, so I’m deeply immersed in politics. Unlike many in my community, I’m running as a Conservative candidate in a predominantly working-class district, traditionally a stronghold for Labour. This area, Ashfield, has a rich history rooted in mining, and it was significantly affected during the ’80s by the miners’ strikes and Thatcher’s policies.”

Have you encountered Joanne Froggatt somewhere familiar? If you’re a fan of period dramas, you might remember her as Anna Smith, later Anna Bates, the ladies maid from Downton Abbey on ITV and its subsequent movies. She has also been seen in Angela Black (playing the titular character), Liar, The Harrowing, and The Commons.

Claire Rushbrook plays Cathy Rowley

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

As a film critic, I found myself pondering over the enigmatic character of Cathy Rowley, who in the narrative unfolds as Julie’s estranged sibling. Their relationship has been strained beyond repair following the events that transpired during the strike.

Have you noticed Claire Rushbrook in any previous shows or productions? Recently, she starred in the Sky series Temple and the BBC comedy Don’t Forget the Driver. Additionally, her acting credits span No Offence, Kiri, Requiem, My Mad Fat Diary, and several other titles.

Kevin Doyle plays Fred Rowley

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

As a film enthusiast, I’d say: I wonder who this fellow is, Fred Rowley perhaps? From what I gather, he’s tied the knot with Cathy. Once upon a time, he was a miner, and life in the pits took its toll on his health, leaving him with respiratory issues.

Where have I seen  Kevin Doyle before? He is best known for Downton Abbey.

Adam Hugill plays Scott Rowley

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Who is Scott Rowley? He is known as the son of Fred and the step-son of Cathy, a man who was set to serve time for fraud charges. Currently, Scott is under suspicion for the murder of Gary Jackson.

Where have I seen Adam Hugill before? He appeared in fantasy police series The Watch.

Alun Armstrong plays Gary Jackson

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Who is Gary Jackson? A former striking miner who is unexpectedly murdered in episode 1.

Have I encountered Alun Armstrong in any other movies or shows? He played Mr Hafez in The Mummy Returns, and is also recognized for his roles as Cardinal Jinette in the Van Helsing series, Uncle Garrow from Eragon, and the High Constable from Sleepy Hollow. More recently, he has been seen in Breeders and Year of the Rabbit, while he is also widely known for his long-running role in New Tricks.

Sean Gilder plays Dean Simmonds

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

As a seasoned film critic, allow me to shed some light on an intriguing figure named Dean Simmonds. Once a hardworking miner, this man found himself in the limelight for a unique reason – he chose to work during a labor strike, a decision that earned him the unofficial title of “Scab”.

Have I come across Sean Gilder in any other roles aside from Shameless, Our Girl, White House Farm, and Poldark?

Bally Gill plays Neel Fisher

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Who is Neel Fisher? Sarah Vincent’s fiancé, and the son of local train driver Andy Fisher.

Have you spotted Bally Gill in any familiar roles before, perhaps in Wanderlust, Slow Horses, Manhunt, or This Is Going to Hurt?

Lance O’Reilly-Chapman and Safia Oakley-Green play Lance and Cinderella

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

As a cinephile, I can tell you that Lance and Cinderella are the grandkids of Julie and Gary. Intriguingly, Cinderella is romantically involved with Ronan, the youngest scion of the Sparrow clan.

Have I encountered Lance O’Reilly-Chapman or Safia Oakley-Green previously, and if so, where might that have been? Lance is best known for his role in Sherwood, while Safia has graced The Colour Room with her presence.

Terence Maynard plays Sergeant Cleaver

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

In the investigation of Gary Jackson’s murder, who is Sergeant Cleaver that he works with DCS Ian St Clair?

Have you come across Terence Maynard elsewhere? You may recall him as the character Tony Stewart from Coronation Street.

Don Gilet plays Jacob Harris

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

What about Jacob Harris? He’s married to Jenny and a friend of Ian St. Clair, both of whom went through police training together.

I’ve been a fan of Don Gilet for quite some time now, and I can’t help but wonder where I might have crossed paths with him before. He’s made quite an impact on the small screen, starring in BBC dramas like Babyfather, 55 Degrees North, and EastEnders where he played the complex character of Lucas Johnson, a preacher turned murderer. His talents have also been showcased in other series such as The Doll Maker, Broke, and Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators.

Stephen Tompkinson plays Warnock

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Who is Warnock, you ask? He’s a former miner and a close friend of Gary’s. It was to him that Gary revealed his ongoing investigation into an undercover police officer.

Have I encountered Stephen Tompkinson elsewhere in my entertainment experience? He gained significant recognition through his role in the 1996 British comedy-drama film Brassed Off and the Channel 4 sitcom Drop the Dead Donkey. In more recent times, he has made appearances on various TV shows such as The Bay and The Other One.

Nadine Marshall plays Jenny Harris

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Who is Jenny Harris, one might ask? She’s the principal of a nearby school. Previously, she had romantic ties with Kevin, who entered the picture as he began policing the strike.

Have I encountered Nadine Marshall in any familiar TV shows lately? She has been featured in several well-known series like Trigger Point, Dodger, and Time.

Clare Holman plays Helen St Clair

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Who is the woman known as Helen St Clair? She is Ian St Clair’s wife, a colleague of Sarah Vincent, and has a confidential police record. In episode 4, it was revealed that ‘Helen’ is not her true identity, as Kevin was told.

Have you encountered Clare Holman elsewhere in your viewing experience? She is most recognized for playing Dr. Laura Hobson on Inspector Morse and its sequel series, Lewis.

Mark Frost plays Martin St Clair

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

As a passionate follower, I might ask, “Who is Martin St. Clair to you?” For me, he’s the long-lost sibling of Ian, whose bond has been strained due to the tumultuous times of the miners’ strike.

Have you encountered Mark Frost somewhere else apart from Coronation Street, Hetty Feather, Rocket’s Island, Poldark, and other shows?

Christopher Fairbank plays Bill Raggett

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Bill Raggett is one of the five undercover cops that were assigned to gather intelligence on Gary Jackson and his associates during the 1980s.

Where have I seen Christopher Fairbank before? He is best known for Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.

Mark Addy plays Ron St Clair

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

Who is Ron St Clair? He is Ian and Mark’s father and one of the striking miners. 

Have you recognized Mark Addy from any other shows or movies besides The Full Monty, Game of Thrones, White House Farm (ITV), Atlantis (BBC), and The Syndicate (BBC)?

Lindsay Duncan plays Jennifer Hale

Sherwood season 2 cast: Meet the new and returning characters

What is the background or identity of Jennifer Hale? She is a former attorney who provides her legal services free of charge to organizations like the National Union of Mineworkers.

Have you come across Lindsay Duncan somewhere before? Given her impressive career in movies, television, and theatre, she might be familiar from roles in shows such as A Discovery of Witches, The Leftovers, Close to the Enemy, or The Honourable Woman.

Pip Torrens plays Commissioner Charles Dawes 

Who is Commissioner Charles Dawes in this context? He is the individual who provides Kevin with Bill Raggett’s contact information.

“I’ve seen Pip Torrens in a variety of shows; he’s been on HBO/Sky Atlantic’s The Nevers, AMC’s Preacher, Netflix’s The Crown, and the BBC’s Poldark. I wonder where else I might recognize him from?”

As a die-hard fan of Sherwood, I’m thrilled to share that the second season kicks off with a two-part special over the bank holiday weekend! Catch it on BBC One and BBC iPlayer starting Sunday, 25th August at 9pm, and don’t forget to tune in again on Monday, 26th August at the same time. Can’t wait to see what unfolds next!

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2024-08-23 14:08