Ben Coyle-Larner AKA Loyle Carner reveals how he came to star in BBC drama Mint, and details ‘uncomfortable’ character

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The new BBC drama, Mint, features both rising stars – including Emma Laird and Lewis Gribben – and well-known actors like Laura Fraser and Lindsay Duncan.

The series is directed by Charlotte Regan, who also directed the film Scrapper. It stars Ben Coyle-Larner, better known as the hip hop artist Loyle Carner, in his first major acting role as the character Arran.

The show centers on Shannon, whose family controls the criminal underworld of her town. She becomes deeply involved with Arran, a newcomer who belongs to a rival family.

In an exclusive interview with TopMob, Coyle-Larner shared the story of how he joined the series. He explained that he ran into Charlie at Broadway Market and told her he was a huge fan of her movie, Scrapper.

She seemed really surprised that I recognized her, and she asked how I knew what she looked like. I told her it was because I’d been a fan for a while, and after reading her work, I was deeply moved by its beauty.

He explained that she had been developing a project called Mint, which he read and found deeply affecting. He was particularly struck by the character of Arran, who felt unique compared to other characters he’d encountered in books or on television. He believed it was important for people to recognize that everyone has vulnerabilities, regardless of how they appear on the surface.

Coyle-Larner described Arran’s storyline: He travels from London to Glasgow to visit his brother and quickly finds himself involved in some risky and uncomfortable situations. Driven by a need to support his family, Arran struggles to adapt to his surroundings and doesn’t quite fit in.

The character’s appeal, I think, lies in his relatability. He represents someone young, perhaps like myself, but unlike most, he’s deeply unhappy and desperate to escape a negative environment.

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The story of Mint follows a secret love affair between Shannon and Arran, alongside growing turmoil within Shannon’s family. Her father unexpectedly decides to relinquish leadership of the family, and his right-hand man, Sam, prepares to take his place.

Although the show is labeled as a crime drama, Regan explained to TopMob that it won’t focus on the details of the criminal activity itself. Instead, the series will center on the characters’ relationships and what’s happening in their personal lives.

You can watch the new series, Mint, on BBC One starting Monday, April 20th at 9pm. All episodes will also be available on BBC iPlayer from 6am that same day.

Get daily TV recommendations and features by adding Mint to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download the app now!

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, an international TV production company. He has a BA in English and Theatre Studies, and a Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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2026-04-15 14:07