The new ITV drama Protection features Line of Duty stars and Happy Valley icon Siobhan Finneran. The series, which will be released in full on ITVX on Sunday, March 16, follows DI Liz Nyles (Siobhan Finneran) as she investigates a family murder within the witness protection programme.

The crime sends shockwaves through the witness protection unit and casts doubt over its integrity, with allegations of corruption and ties to organised crime surfacing.

Katherine Kelly as DCI Hannah Wheatley. (Image: ITV)

Who is in the cast of Protection?

Siobhan Finneran as DI Liz Nyles

DI Liz Nyles is a committed police officer working in witness protection, going above and beyond to ensure their safety. However, her affair with her married colleague DS Paul Brandice threatens to derail her career.

Siobhan Finneran is best known for her roles in Happy Valley, Benidorm, Rita, Sue and Bob Too, Coronation Street and The Reckoning.

Upcoming new ITV drama Protection is led by Happy Valley actress Siobhan Finneran who plays Detective Inspector Liz Nyles (Image: ITV)

Katherine Kelly as DCI Hannah Wheatley

DCI Hannah Wheatley, the head of the Major Investigations Team, is a well-known ambitious detective with a keen eye for detail. She harbours suspicions about Liz and is relentless in her pursuit – but what exactly is her motive?

Katherine Kelly, who portrays Wheatley, is most recognised for her role as Becky Granger in ITV’s Coronation Street, but she has also featured in Happy Valley, Inside No 9, Bloods and Mr Bates vs The Post Office.

Nadine Marshall as DCI Amanda Kelman

Nadine Marshall takes on the role of DCI Amanda Kelman, a senior officer in the Professional Standards Department that investigates police corruption. She has quickly climbed the ranks and established herself as a strict and intimidating figure.

Marshall is best known for her role in the sitcom The Smoking Room, as well as parts in Waterloo Road, Plebs, Small Axe, Death in Paradise and Vera.

Trending

Barry Ward as DS Paul Brandice

Barry Ward plays DS Paul Brandice, the latest addition to the witness protection unit. He is a dependable and principled detective, who is secretly involved in a forbidden romance with Liz, which started shortly after he joined the unit.

Ward recently starred in Bad Sisters, The Capture, Save Me, Silent Witness and Britannia.

David Hayman as Sid Nyles

David Hayman portrays Sid Nyles, Liz’s father and a former DCI in both Lancashire and Liverpool. He is somewhat of a legend in the police force.

However, following his wife’s death, Sid devoted himself to his work, becoming a somewhat absent father in the process.

Hayman, known for his roles in The Nest, Andor, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, Sid and Nancy, and Flood, will be part of the cast.

 SUBSCRIBE
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

DCI Aurn Kapoor is the head of the witness protection unit in ITV drama Protection (Image: ITV)

Nichola Burley as Gemma Brandice

Nichola Burley will play Gemma Brandice, Paul’s wife and a former army member. She has previously starred in Born Equal, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Goldplated, Death Comes to Pemberley, Donkey Punch, and StreetDance 3D.

Ace Bhatti as DCI Arun Kapoor

Ace Bhatti will portray DCI Arun Kapoor, the head of the witness protection unit who staunchly defends Liz and his team. Line of Duty enthusiasts may recognise him as Police and Crime Commissioner Rohan Sindwhani, while EastEnders fans may remember him as the villainous Dr Yusef Khan.

Barry Ward as DS Paul Brandice in new ITV drama Protection (Image: ITV)

Who else is in the cast of Protection?

The wider cast includes:

Chaneil Kular as DS Raj Kholi
Akiya Henry as DS Sue Beardsley
Jodie Price as Jasmine Nyles
Andrew Knott as DI Richard Bewley
Tom Christian as DI Tommy Jardine
Alec Newman as Edward Crowther
Tilly Kaye as Amy McLennan
Charlotte Mills as DS Rachel Gordon
Jonathan Cake as John Gibson
Ian Pirie as Assistant Chief Inspector Rory Davenport
Zora Bishop as Rezan Crowther
Syrus Lowe as DC Noel Taylor
Nick Moss as Freddie Howard
Joseph Millson as Elliot Hughes
Reuven Walker as Arlo Crowther
Louise Lee as Nurse
Naomi Yang as Irene Kim
Kris Hitchen as Jimmy McLennan
Adam Long as Patrick Ellis
Waj Ali as Soran Ahmadi
Anthony Flanagan as DCI Amos Wilson