BBC Reveals First Look at Richard Gadd and Jamie Bell in ‘Half Man’

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The BBC has unveiled first-look images from ‘Half Man’, the highly anticipated six-part original drama created by multi-award-winning Richard Gadd (Baby Reindeer, Against The Law), which will premiere in 2026 on BBC iPlayer, BBC One and BBC Scotland.

The series stars Gadd alongside BAFTA award-winning actor Jamie Bell (All of Us Strangers, Rocketman) as estranged ‘brothers’ Ruben and Niall. The first look teases a tense reunion between the pair, a meeting that sparks an eruption of violence and sends viewers on a journey back through their lives. Spanning nearly 40 years, ‘Half Man’ follows Ruben and Niall from their troubled teens in the 1980s to the fractured men they have become in the present day.

Younger versions of the characters are played by Mitchell Robertson (Curfew, Mayflies) as Niall and Stuart Campbell (SAS Rogue Heroes, The Winter King) as Ruben.

The drama explores the messy, complicated highs and lows of brotherhood — from laughter and warmth to anger and betrayal — all while capturing the wild energy of Glasgow as it transforms over four decades. The show promises to dig deep into questions of masculinity, identity and what it truly means to be a man.

Joining the cast are Neve McIntosh (Tin Star, Chemistry of Death) as Niall’s mother Lori, and Marianne McIvor (Screw, The Nest) as Ruben’s mother Maura. Also appearing are Charlie De Melo (Rivals), Bilal Hasna (The Agency), Julie Cullen (Traces), Amy Manson (The Nevers), Philippine Velge (The Serpent Queen), Stuart McQuarrie (The Rig), Piers Ewart (The Primrose Railway Children), Scot Greenan (T2 Trainspotting), and newcomers Charlotte Blackwood and Calum Manchip.

‘Half Man’ (6×45) is created, written and executive produced by Richard Gadd. It is directed by Alexandra Brodski (Somewhere Boy, Rivals) and Eshref Reybrouck (Ferry: The Series, Cheyenne & Lola). Produced by Mam Tor Productions, part of Banijay UK, the series is supported by Screen Scotland, with Banijay Rights handling international distribution outside of BBC and HBO.

‘Half Man’ will air in 2026 on BBC iPlayer, BBC One and BBC Scotland in the UK & Ireland, and on HBO Max in the US, Latin America and Europe. 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 it gets a UK premiere date. Visit Never Miss.