Julie Hesmondhalgh joins cast of BBC drama Crookhaven
Former Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh will feature alongside Dougray Scott in the BBC's upcoming drama Crookhaven.
Julie Hesmondhalgh has signed up to star in the BBC drama Crookhaven.
The 55-year-old actress, who is best known for her portrayal of Hayley Cropper on the ITV soap Coronation Street, has joined the cast of the much-anticipated new drama that is led by Dougray Scott.
Crookhaven – which will air in early 2026 – has been filmed in Northern Ireland and is set in a secret school for crooks.
It follows a group of students as they are taught how to perfect their skills in order to bring balance, justice and order to the outside world.
However, the gang are also confronted by a terrifying enemy known as The Nameless.
The show, which also features Keith Allen in the cast, is based on JJ Arcanjo's hit series of novels.
Dougray plays Crookhaven's headmaster and secretive leader Caspian Lockett and has suggested that his alter ego has "many layers".
The Scottish actor told Deadline: "Caspian is a fascinating character that has many layers. He believes in good, old-fashioned values, but at the same time he can be a real manipulator and will do whatever it takes to protect the people he cares about – even if it puts the school in danger.
"I'm drawn to characters who aren't easy to pin down. He is complex and contradictory, noble but also flawed and that makes him both a challenge and a joy to play. You're constantly discovering new sides to him and that's what keeps it exciting."
Dougray also hailed the "phenomenal" cast for the show, which includes Amari Bacchus (Adolescence), Sani Thabo (Casualty) and Leila Khan (Heartstopper).
The 59-year-old star said: "The cast is phenomenal, there's a real energy among the younger actors and the whole ensemble brings real depth.
"The production team has gone above and beyond; it's beautifully shot, meticulously designed. You can tell everyone involved cares deeply about the story we're telling, and it's a powerful story.
"While it's rooted in a unique setting of a secret school for crooks, the themes are absolutely universal – identity, loyalty, found family, the search for truth – it's the kind of storytelling that will connect with people everywhere and it's been a privilege to work on."
