The BBC has released some “first look” images of Lennie James in ‘Mr Loverman‘, based on Bernardine Evaristo’s hit novel, along with some further casting, as the drama lands later this year on BBC One and iPlayer.
From the BBC and Fable Pictures (Hullraisers, Rocks, Wild Rose, Stan & Ollie) ‘Mr Loverman’ brings to life Bernardine Evaristo’s ground-breaking exploration of Britain’s older Caribbean community, in a life-affirming story about family, love, and being true to yourself.
Ariyon Bakare and Lennie James as Morris and Barrington
Barrington Jedidiah Walker, Esq. (James) – Barry to his mates, trouble to his wife, his daughters, and his lover. Seventy years old, Antiguan-born, exuberant Hackney personality, Barry is renowned for his dapper taste and fondness for retro suits. Carmel, his wife of 50 years, senses that Barry has been cheating on her with other women. Little does she know what’s really going on: a secret, decades-long passionate affair with his best friend and soulmate, Morris (Ariyon Bakare). Now entering the next chapter of his life, Barry has big choices to make that will force his whole family to question their own futures.
L-R: Tamara Lawrance (Image: Tia Bannon), Sharlene Whyte (Image: David Reiss), Tahj Miles (Image: Owen Vincent)
Joining Lennie James (Save Me, Line of Duty) as the exuberant protagonist Barrington Jedidiah Walker in the eight-part drama will be three-time Olivier Award winner Sharon D. Clarke (Doctor Who, Informer), who joins the cast as Carmel Walker, Barrington’s wife of five decades. Ariyon Bakare (Life, His Dark Materials) plays Barrington’s best friend and soulmate, Morris De La Roux, and Tamara Lawrance (Get Millie Black, Time Series 2) & Sharlene Whyte (Small Axe, Stephen) star as Barrington and Carmel’s daughters, Maxine & Donna. Tahj Miles (Small Axe, Death in Paradise), will play Daniel, Donna’s son and Carmel and Barrington’s grandson.
Keenan Munn-Francis (Black Dog, Passing Strange) will star as a young Barrington opposite Gabin Kongolo (Bariau, The Suspect) as a young Morris. Lauren Akosia (Whitstable Pearl, The Slaves) also joins the cast as a young Carmel, known as Carmelita.
Keenan Munn Francis and Gabin Kongolo as young Barrington and young Morris
The series will also feature Suzette Llewellyn (EastEnders, Vera), Lochlann O’Mearáin (Joyride, Holding), Hopi Grace (Boiling Point, The Book of Clarence), Llewella Gideon (Top Boy, Small Axe), Doreene Blackstock (Sex Education, The Colour Room), Juliet Garricks (Murder They Hope, The Doctor) and Clint Dyer (Mine, Black Mirror) across the series.
“We are so excited to bring together this tremendous wealth of acting talent across the board,” said Faye Ward, Executive Producer for Fable Pictures. “It’s a dream come true and we can’t wait for audiences to see Bernardine’s story brought to life.”
Lennie James as Barrington Jedidiah Walker
‘Mr Loverman’ is adapted by Nathaniel Price (The Outlaws, Noughts + Crosses) and directed by Hong Khaou (Alice & Jack, Baptiste, Lilting, Monsoon). Irma Inniss (Grime Kids, The Bay) is the producer. It will be executive produced by Faye Ward, Hannah Farrell and Hannah Price for Fable Pictures, and Jo McClellan for the BBC. Lennie James and Hong Khaou will also executive produce and Nathaniel Price will associate produce. Fable Pictures is a SPT-backed company. Sony Pictures Television are distributing the series internationally. The drama was filmed in and around London and also in Antigua.
‘Mr Loverman‘ does not have a premiere date, but will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later in 2024. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when they get a UK premiere date.
Sharon D. Clarke as Carmel Walker
