Mint creator teases Lindsay Duncan’s unique character: ‘A type of grandma you very rarely see on screen’

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The new BBC drama, Mint, centers on a passionate but secret love affair between Shannon, played by Emma Laird, and Arran, played by Benjamin Coyle-Larner. The show also features a talented ensemble cast alongside the two leads.

The series stars Sam Riley, Laura Fraser, and Lewis Gribben as members of Shannon’s criminal family in Glasgow, and Lindsay Duncan as her strong-willed grandmother, Ollie.

Charlotte Regan, who wrote and directed ‘Scrapper’, created the series. She spoke enthusiastically when discussing Duncan’s involvement.

Regan described her as the best person in the world, saying they felt incredibly fortunate to have her involved. They had always hoped to speak with her, but thought she would be too busy or uninterested. So, when she agreed, it was a wonderful surprise.

She adds a great dynamic with Ollie, and the conversations between them could have easily been boring with someone else. But she perfectly balances the humor, delivering her lines incredibly well.

Regan explained that her character, Ollie, was inspired by grandmothers she’s known. It wasn’t based on one specific person, but rather a combination of women she’s encountered – women who aren’t often represented in stories like this.

Honestly, I just couldn’t picture her stuck at home, you know, doing all the typical ‘domestic goddess’ things like baking and knitting. She’s a force of nature, really. I always figured she was the one holding the whole family together – the real strength behind it all.

Mint follows Shannon, who’s trying to find love while living in the orbit of her powerful and dangerous crime boss father, Dylan.

I’m already hooked on this new story! It sounds like Shannon is completely swept away by Arran, a new guy in town who just happens to be from a rival crime family. Their connection is instant and powerful, and it’s going to change everything for both of them. But it’s clear not everyone is going to be happy about it, which means drama is definitely coming!

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Shannon and Arran are falling in love, but their relationship is off-limits. Meanwhile, Shannon’s family is facing its own troubles. At the start of the story, Dylan unexpectedly gives up his leadership role, and his second-in-command, Sam, takes over. However, Sam’s different approach to things begins to worry people as the story unfolds.

Following Dylan’s choice, the story shifts away from criminal activity and power struggles to explore the personal lives of Shannon’s family – including her parents, Dylan and Cat, her brother Luke, and their strong-willed grandmother, Ollie.

You can watch ‘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 the latest features by adding Mint to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download it today!

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 the international production company Fremantle. He has a bachelor’s degree in English and Theatre Studies, as well as a journalism diploma.

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2026-04-17 08:43