Discover the Top 100 TV Influencers Shaping Your Screen in 2024

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The realm of television is persistently transforming and improving, with remarkable skill shining brightly as its key catalyst.

Working in collaboration with TV professionals and leaders from around the globe, we’ve compiled an extensive roster of individuals who have experienced significant career milestones during the last twelve months.

Previous year’s rankings were led by “Mr. Bates vs The Post Office,” a collective recognition for the talk-worthy series featuring actors like Toby Jones, Julie Hesmondhalgh, and Monica Dolan.

RadioTimes.com TV 100 – The full list

1. Richard Gadd

2024 marked the breakout year for Baby Reindeer, Richard Gadd’s gripping drama about stalking, which was based on his personal experiences and quickly gained widespread attention. Streamed on Netflix, Gadd laid bare his emotions, catapulting him to international fame overnight. He also garnered multiple prestigious awards during this time. With a new television project in the pipeline, Gadd’s future seems promising. – Helen Daly, Associate Editor

2. Jessica Gunning

Thinking about Baby Reindeer often brings to mind Jessica Gunning’s remarkable, enchanting yet unsettling portrayal of stalker Martha. British audiences have been familiar with her talents for some time now, and it’s high time she received the recognition she deserves as a truly stellar performer. – Helen Daly

3. Ambika Mod

Following her captivating performance in BBC’s “This Is Going To Hurt” in 2022, Ambika Mod established herself as a leading actress with her charming, funny, and heartfelt portrayal of Emma Morley in Netflix’s uplifting adaptation of David Nicholls’ novel “One Day.” She once again dazzled audiences in Disney+’s crime drama “The Stolen Girl,” demonstrating her versatility as an actress who can handle both comedy and emotion seamlessly. – Trends Editor, Lewis Knight

4. Leo Woodall

In the second season of The White Lotus, Leo Woodall solidified his transition into leading man status by portraying lovable rogue Dexter Mayhew in Netflix’s One Day, and later as math whiz Edward Brooks on Apple TV+’s Prime Target. Woodall has also been climbing the ladder as a romantic lead, with his captivating performances in the critically acclaimed film Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. As Hollywood continues to call his name, we anticipate seeing more of him gracing both small and large screens. – [Your Name]

5. Dominic Treadwell-Collins

If you missed out on watching Rivals in 2024, your year might have been quite uneventful compared to the excitement that show offered. The blockbuster of the year was brilliantly brought to life by Dominic Treadwell-Collins, who was once a hero in EastEnders. His love for soap operas shone through every aspect of the adaptation. Although it was based on Jilly Cooper’s popular novel, the Disney Plus series captured hearts with its array of amusing characters, the undeniable soap opera spirit that infused each episode, and its outrageous drama. Treadwell-Collins demonstrated that anything is possible in show business. – Helen Daly

6. Ruth Jones & James Corden

In 2024, Ruth Jones and James Corden continued to set new standards as they brought back Gavin & Stacey for one last hurrah. The long-awaited conclusion for Nessa and Smithy was finally revealed, with Jones and Corden wrapping up the story in a delightful manner, adding a beautiful finishing touch to it. – John Miller

7. Claudia Winkleman

The Traitors couldn’t be who they are without Claudia Winkleman’s unconventional wit constantly on display. Many memorable moments, such as Alexander’s performance, wouldn’t have happened if Winkleman hadn’t struggled to keep a straight face throughout. Moreover, her fashion choices alone earn her a place on this list. – Helen Daly

8. Chris McCausland

Chris McCausland demonstrated that anything can be achieved through a positive mindset when he triumphed in Strictly Come Dancing 2024, despite being blind. Alongside his partner, Dianne Buswell, he defied expectations and redefined what it means to be a dancer. The comedian is breaking new ground and serving as an inspiration for many. – Sarah Thompson

9. Marisa Abela

In more casual terms: Season 3 of Industry was one of the best TV series in recent years, with Marisa Abela stealing the show as troubled banker Yasmin Kara-Hanani. She brought a mix of vulnerability, sharpness, and raw emotion to her performance. Already making waves on the big screen with her captivating role in the Amy Winehouse biopic Back to Black and holding her own against top-tier stars in Steven Soderbergh’s spy drama Black Bag, Abela is a rising talent we can’t get enough of. We’re eagerly waiting to see what she does next! – Lewis Knight

10. Danny Dyer

In contrast to the power struggles dominating the broadcaster, it was the heartwarming love story between Freddie and Lizzie that resonated globally. Almost instantly, Dyer transformed into a period drama idol, as more and more people recognized and embraced the charisma that Brits have long cherished. – Helen Daly

11. Katherine Parkinson

While Parkinson is widely recognized for her roles in The IT Crowd and Doc Martin, it was her portrayal of Lizzie in Rivals that truly captivated audiences. Her transformation, from penning romance novels and being betrayed by a faithless spouse, to ultimately confessing her feelings for Dyer’s Freddie, left many breathless. This pivotal moment showcased Parkinson’s unique ability to infuse humor into even the most serious roles. – Morgan Cormack, Drama Writer

12. Mark Rylance

Actor Mark Rylance has been lauded for his roles in theater and film throughout his career, yet he recently reprised his part as Thomas Cromwell on the second season of BBC’s popular historical drama, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light. Over nine years since its initial release, Rylance seamlessly returned to his character, once again delivering a remarkable and subtle performance.

– Morgan Cormack

13. Lashana Lynch

In the TV adaptation of The Day of the Jackal, Lynch masterfully breathed life into the tense cat-and-mouse storyline by portraying MI6 agent Bianca. It’s no small task to create such a complex character, but Lynch – known for captivating performances in The Woman King and No Time to Die – tackles it with great enthusiasm. Moreover, Lynch also lends a co-executive producer role to the production.

As Morgan Cormack mentions, with a role in the upcoming film version of Children of Blood and Bone on the horizon, Lynch is showing her adaptability by taking on diverse characters and remains committed to bringing complex female figures to life.

14. Eddie Redmayne

In recent times, Eddie Redmayne has demonstrated his versatility as an actor by skillfully portraying some of the most chilling characters, such as in “The Good Nurse” (2022) and “The Day of the Jackal.” His character in the Sky series, a suave assassin, is no stranger to acting. However, it’s Redmayne’s knack for seamlessly transitioning from a cold-blooded killer to a loving family man that truly stands out. – Morgan Cormack

15. Chris Clenshaw

As EastEnders executive producer since 2022, Clenshaw has left an indelible mark with his captivating storylines that have fueled conversations among fans of Walford. Some of the memorable plots he oversaw include the gripping The Six whodunnit, the comeback of Cindy Beale, and the introduction of numerous fresh characters. Moreover, Clenshaw orchestrated several compelling reprisals that kept viewers on their toes. Though his departure from the soap opera will be felt, his EastEnders legacy will endure as a guiding light for aspiring TV creators. – Morgan Cormack

16. Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham

The comeback of Wallace and Gromit in the movie “Vengeance Most Fowl” was not just a standout during Christmas; it was a significant event across the whole year. This cherished stop-motion animation duo, crafted by co-directors Park and Crossingham, consistently captivate audiences (and win their hearts), demonstrating that their family-friendly characters truly have universal appeal. They continue to receive numerous well-deserved accolades for their dedication. – Morgan Cormack

17. Adeel Akhtar

2024 marked a significant year for actor Akhtar as he starred in the lead role of Sam Malik, a solicitor grappling with personal issues and sleepless nights, in the popular BBC drama Showtrial. Notably, Akhtar’s portrayal was exceptional, especially his intricate and thought-provoking performance opposite Michael Socha as Justin in their two-person scenes across all five episodes. This year also saw Akhtar acting in Black Doves and Fool Me Once, demonstrating yet again that he can imbue any character with his natural charisma and intelligence. – Morgan Cormack

18. Michelle Keegan

2024 began with quite a thrilling launch following Harlan Coben’s Fool Me Once release, bringing Michelle Keegan back into the spotlight. Her portrayal of the tormented Kate kept audiences hooked and cheering her on, eager to navigate the numerous twists and turns with her intriguing character while cringing at the sharp one-liners thrown at her by Joanna Lumley’s character as a mother-in-law. After gaining recognition in Coronation Street and Our Girl, Keegan solidified her longevity with her exceptional performance in this role, also gracing our screens in Ten Pound Poms, which highlights the actual Australian migration program that took place in post-war Britain. – Morgan Cormack

19. Don Gilet

Transitioning from a well-known EastEnders serial killer character to a cherished detective in the cozy crime drama Death in Paradise is no simple task, but Gilet has seamlessly taken on the role of DI Mervin Wilson. Not only is Gilet’s character the first Black lead in the series, but he portrays a complex individual who must navigate numerous changes, emotions, and personal struggles – something that Gilet infuses with an effortless charisma.

– Morgan Cormack

20. Lee Jung-jae

It’s challenging not to associate Netflix sensation Squid Game with its main actor Lee Jung-jae. Prior to the release of the dystopian series, he had already earned numerous awards and impressive performances under his belt. However, the show and his character Gi-hun have left an indelible mark on popular culture. After appearing in the series, Jung-jae’s acting abilities were showcased as he transformed from a timid and vulnerable individual to a driven protagonist. This proves his adaptability and versatility as an actor.

– Morgan Cormack

21. Lee Byung-hun

22. The Traitors cast

23. Peter Kosminsky

24. Andrew Scott

25. James Bye

26. Lacey Turner

27. Rapman

28. Sharon Horgan

29. Rob Brydon

30. David Mitchell

31. Anna Maxwell Martin

32. Cristin Milioti

33. Nava Mau

34. Alex Hassell

35. Aidan Turner

36. Nicola Coughlan

37. David Tennant

38. Will Smith

39. Emily Maitlis

40. Sagar Radia

41. Daf James

42. Sophie Willan

43. Jack Rooke

44. Elliot Hegarty

45. Alan Cumming

46. Daniel Lawrence Taylor

47. Nabhaan Rizwan

48. Jack Lowden

49. Aimee Lou Wood

50. Millie Gibson

51. Colin Farrell

52. Adelayo Adedayo

53. Joe Barton

54. Steve McFadden

55. Lucia Keskin

56. Nicôle Lecky

57. Mickey Down and Konrad Kay

58. Shonda Rhimes

59. Emily Atack

60. Gary Lineker

61. Victoria Smurfit

62. Ella Purnell

63. Lennie James

64. Sharon D Clarke

65. Bella Maclean

66. Emma D’Arcy

67. Ncuti Gatwa

68. Maryam Moshiri

69. Larry David

70. Varada Sethu

71. Russell T Davies

72. Freddie Flintoff

73. Chris Packham

74. Matt Smith

75. Zara McDermott

76. Laura Aikman

77. Lorraine Ashbourne

78. Gary Oldman

79. Alex Horne

80. Nida Manzoor

81. Paapa Essiedu

82. Monica Dolan

83. Heidi Thomas

84. Himesh Patel

85. Inua Ellams

86. Juno Dawson

87. Sharma Angel-Walfall

88. James Graham

89. Josh Finan

90. Diane Morgan

91. Michael McIntyre

92. Anna Sawai

93. Luke Newton

94. Keely Hodgkinson

95. Bob Mortimer

96. Luke Littler

97. Steven Knight

98. Romesh Ranganathan

99. Reece Shearsmith & Steve Pemberton

100. Susan Twist

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2025-05-04 21:43