Black Doves cast and character guide: A look at the actors and who they play in the British spy thriller

Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw in Black Doves (Image via Netflix)
Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw in Black Doves (Image via Netflix)

Black Doves is what you’d want to watch if you're a fan of Christmas-themed mysteries, but with a bit more action. The British spy thriller, starring Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw, is going to be a mix of some intense espionage, good old British wit, and a touch of the holiday spirit.

The show is set to drop on Netflix on December 5, and it promises a rollercoaster of drama and adrenaline-fueled confrontations, thus, making Black Doves an ideal choice for anyone who enjoys their festive shows with a side of suspense.

Whether you’re down for a classic spy thriller or just love seeing holiday settings turned upside down, Black Doves is the best of both worlds.

Here’s a peek into the cast and characters who bring this story to life.


Black Doves cast and character guide

1) Keira Knightley as Helen Webb

Keira Knightley is the face of the show. She leads the cast as Helen Webb. She is a devoted wife and mother, who harbors a secret. She doubles as a spy.

Her husband is a politician. For the past ten years, she’s been secretly sharing classified information from her husband to an underground organization known as the Black Doves. But, when her secret affair with Jason ends in his sudden murder, Helen’s world turns upside down.

Keira Knightley is known for her roles in The Imitation Game and Love Actually. As reported by Netflix's Tudum, she went through rigorous training for Black Doves. She said:

“It’s been great fun to do all of the fighting. I’ve really enjoyed learning all of the different martial arts that I have been taught.”

2) Ben Whishaw as Sam Young

Ben Whishaw in Black Doves (Image via Netflix)
Ben Whishaw in Black Doves (Image via Netflix)

Ben Whishaw’s Sam Young used to be an assassin who loves a glass of champagne. After a long period of absence, Sam is back in London to help his old friend, Helen. They both go on a mission to find out the person responsible for Jason's death.

However, they both get pulled into the heart of a conspiracy that stretches far beyond London’s streets. Whishaw is best known for This Is Going to Hurt and A Very English Scandal.


3) Sarah Lancashire as Reed

Sarah Lancashire in Black Doves (Image via Netflix)
Sarah Lancashire in Black Doves (Image via Netflix)

Sarah Lancashire takes on the role of Reed, the sharp and authoritative leader of the Black Doves. Helen was not just recruited by Reed, but also guided by her in the world of espionage.

However, Helen’s unpredictable actions often test Reed’s patience. Lancashire is known for her roles in Happy Valley and Julia. As reported by Netflix’s Tudum and in her own words:

“[Reed] is a spy mistress working for the Black Doves. She recruited Helen in good faith, and Helen has been a bit of a loose cannon.”

4) Andrew Koji as Jason

Andrew Koji plays Jason. He is Helen’s secret lover whose sudden death triggers the events of the series.

He might not appear for long in the show, but his mysterious death definitely sets the stage for the events that follow. It sets Helen and Sam on a dangerous journey to find out the truth.


5) Luther Ford, Finn Bennett, Tracey Ullman, and Adeel Akhtar

A fresh lineup of talent joins the cast. Luther Ford, who is known for The Crown, Finn Bennett who was in True Detective: Night Country, comedy icon Tracey Ullman who was the host of The Tracey Ullman Show, and Adeel Akhtar, who is best known for Murdered by My Father. However, we are yet to know their exact roles in Black Doves.


Supporting cast of Black Doves

The supporting cast of Black Doves features a wide array of talented actors. They are:

  • Andrew Buchan
  • Kathryn Hunter
  • Sam Troughton
  • Ella Lily Hyland
  • Adam Silver
  • Ken Nwosu
  • Gabrielle Creevy
  • Omari Douglas

Hence, viewers can expect some complex characters being added throughout the series.


Will there be a Black Doves Season 2?

Yes, fans can already look forward to more of the show as Netflix has already announced that there will be a second season of Black Doves.

The news was shared at the Edinburgh TV Festival. This shows that Netflix is really betting big on the action-packed spy show as it renewed it even before its release.

Also Read- Special Ops: Lioness Season 2 - Release date, plot, cast and more about the spy thriller show


Stay tuned to Soap Central for more updates and detailed coverage.

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Edited by Mudeet Arora