Babies cast: Paapa Essiedu and Siobhán Cullen star

Please be aware that this article discusses sensitive topics like pregnancy loss and miscarriage, which may be upsetting to some readers.

The emotional drama series Babies, created by the writer behind Mum and Marriage, Stefan Golaszweski, is now streaming completely on BBC iPlayer.

I recently watched a truly moving series centered around Paapa Essiedu and Siobhán Cullen, who play Stephen and Lisa, a couple desperately trying to start a family. It’s a raw and honest portrayal of their journey, and sadly, it doesn’t shy away from the heartbreaking reality of pregnancy loss and miscarriage. Their performances are incredibly powerful as they navigate these difficult experiences.

One of the more compelling side stories involves Stephen’s best friend, Dave – Jack Bannon really brings him to life – and his new romance with the enigmatic Amanda, played by Charlotte Riley. Honestly, watching their relationship develop adds a nice layer of complexity, but it also throws a wrench into Stephen and Dave’s long-standing friendship, especially with Stephen already dealing with his own issues with Lisa. It creates some genuinely awkward and affecting moments.

But who else stars in the series, what have they all been in before and who do they all play?

Read on for everything you need to know about the cast of Babies.

Babies cast guide: Full list of actors

Meet the stars of Babies! Below, you’ll find details about the main cast and their characters, plus a look at where you might recognize the actors from.

Paapa Essiedu as Stephen
Siobhán Cullen as Lisa
Jack Bannon as Dave
Charlotte Riley as Amanda
Zion Veerapen-Bernard as Daniel
Simona Brown as Bella
Gary Beadle as Kevin
Nadine Marshall as Patty

Paapa Essiedu plays Stephen

Who is Stephen? Stephen is a man in his 30s, who is married to Lisa. They are trying to have a baby.

You might recognize Paapa Essiedu from shows like Gangs of London, I May Destroy You, The Lazarus Project, Black Doves, Black Mirror, and The Capture. He’s also been in the films Men and The Outrun. Soon, he’ll be taking on the role of Severus Snape in the upcoming Harry Potter series.

Siobhán Cullen plays Lisa

Who is Lisa? Lisa is a woman in his 30s, who is married to Stephen. They are trying to have a baby.

You might recognize Siobhán Cullen from her appearances in films like Jimi: All Is By My Side and The Limehouse Golem. She’s also been in TV series including Origin, The Split, Dalgliesh, The Dry, Bodkin, and Obituary.

Jack Bannon plays Dave

Dave is Stephen’s closest friend and the father of Daniel. Throughout the show, he begins a romantic relationship with Amanda.

You might recognize Jack Bannon from his appearances in several TV shows. He’s been in series like Ripper Street, Clique, The Loch, Medici, Pennyworth, Endeavour, The Darkness, and Pulse.

Charlotte Riley plays Amanda

Who is Amanda? Amanda is a woman who Dave starts a new relationship with.

You might recognize Charlotte Riley from a variety of TV shows and films. She’s appeared in series like Wuthering Heights, DCI Banks, Peaky Blinders, and The Peripheral, as well as movies including Edge of Tomorrow and London Has Fallen. Other credits include roles in The Town, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, Close to the Enemy, Trust, Press, A Christmas Carol, Trying, Smoggie Queens, Malice, and In the Heart of the Sea, and Swimming with Men.

Zion Veerapen-Bernard plays Daniel

Who is Daniel? Daniel is Dave and Bella’s son.

Where have I seen Zion Veerapen-Bernard? Babies is Veerapen-Bernard’s first on screen credit.

Simona Brown plays Bella

Who is Bella? Bella is Daniel’s mother.

You might recognize Simona Brown from her roles in the film Man Up and TV series like The Casual Vacancy, The Night Manager, Guilt, Kiss Me First, The Little Drummer Girl, Outlander, Grantchester, Behind Her Eyes, and I Am Natalie.

Gary Beadle plays Kevin

Who is Kevin? Kevin is Stephen’s father.

You know, I always recognize Gary Beadle! He’s been in so much! I’ve seen him in everything from older shows like Murphy’s Mob and Absolutely Fabulous, to really popular ones like EastEnders and The Sarah Jane Adventures. More recently, I spotted him in things like Death in Paradise, Grantchester, and even Andor! He’s been keeping busy with films too – I really enjoyed Rye Lane. Honestly, it feels like he pops up in everything good on TV and in movies!

Nadine Marshall plays Patty

Who is Patty? Patty is Stephen’s mother.

You might recognize Nadine Marshall from a number of TV shows and films. She’s appeared in series like Hounded, The Spa, Waterloo Road, Vera, Death in Paradise, and Silent Witness, as well as films including A Street Cat Named Bob, Paddington 2, and Bob Marley: One Love, among others such as Old Jack’s Boat, National Treasure, The Innocents, Save Me, Time, Trigger Point, Sherwood, Liaison, Champion, and Protection.

For information and support, please visit Tommy’s or The Mariposa Trust.

Babies will air on Monday 30 March at 9pm on BBC One, and is available in full on iPlayer now.

Want to stay updated on ‘Babies’? Add it to your watchlist on the TopMob ‘What to Watch’ app! Download now for daily TV recommendations and exclusive content.

Authors

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs writes about TV dramas for TopMob, covering shows on streaming services and traditional channels. Before becoming a writer, he worked in public relations, first at a business-to-business agency and then at Fremantle, a global TV production company. He has a BA degree in English and Theatre Studies, as well as a Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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2026-03-30 17:05