Who is in the cast of Black Narcissus on BBC One?

BBC One’s new sexy and sinister drama Black Narcissus begins tonight at 9pm.

Adapted from Rumer Godden’s iconic 1939 tale of sexual repression and forbidden love among the nuns of St Faiths, the three-part series follows Sister Clodagh and her group of Anglo-Catholic nuns as they travel from Darjeeling on a mission to the Palace of Mopu in the Himalayas.

The order starts to repair the palace and opens a school. However, the unsettling atmosphere of their surroundings reawakens disturbing memories in Clodagh.

But who has been cast in Black Narcissus and where have we seen them before?

Gemma Arterton as Sister Clodagh

Sister Clodagh is a strict and ambitious nun challenged with establishing a mission in the remote Himalayas, becoming the youngest sister in her order to be named Sister Superior.

She is portrayed by Gemma Arterton, who has roles in James Bond film Quantum Of Solace, Clash Of The Titans and Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters.

Alessandro Nivola as Mr Dean

Mr Dean is the manager of a nearby tea factory who quickly comes to blows with the sisters and makes an enemy of Sister Clodagh.

Alessandro Nivola has starred in a number of Hollywood blockbusters, including Jurassic Park III, Face/Off, and the hotly-anticipated upcoming Sopranos film.

Aisling Franciosi as Sister Ruth

Sister Ruth is a young nun thrust upon Sister Clodagh by Mother Dorethea.

She hates working with the local children in Mopu and struggles with the palace’s high altitude, which leads her to become sick and consumed by paranoia.

Aisling Franciosi is best known for her portrayal of Katie Benedetto in The Fall, alongside Gillian Anderson.

She also starred in the sixth and seventh season of Game of Thrones as Lyanna Stark.

Dame Diana Rigg as Mother Dorothea

Mother Dorothea is the Mother Superior at the convent in Darjeeling and she offers guidance to Sister Clodagh to help her efforts at Mopu.

Dame Diana Rigg appeared in a number of television shows, including the fantasy series Game Of Thrones where she played Olenna Tyrell.

She’s also featured in Doctor Who, Extras, and Rebecca.

Dame Diana died in September aged 82. Black Narcissus marks her latest television role.

Jim Broadbent as Father Roberts

Father Roberts is a priest based in India who comes to the convent to check on Clodagh’s progress.

Jim Broadbent has featured in a number of films, including Bridget Jones’ Diary, Hot Fuzz, and playing Professor Slughorn in the Harry Potter franchise.

Over on television, he’s appeared in Black Adder, Game Of Thrones and BBC’s War & Peace.

Gina McKee as Sister Adela

Sister Adela is an old-fashioned nun who was wounded in an uprising in Canton, China. She is committed to the discipline of the sisterhood.

Gina McKee has appeared in a number of television series, including Bodyguard, Line Of Duty and Vera.

Over on the big screen, she’s starred in the classic romcom Notting Hill, as well as In The Loop, and Atonement.

Rosie Cavaliero as Sister Briony

Sister Briony is the most senior of the sisters under Clodagh and is her reliable right hand.

Rosie Cavaliero has starred in a number of British television shows ranging from Doc Martin, Inside No.9, and Friday Night Dinner.

More recently, Rosie appeared in last year’s series of Worzel Gummidge, as well as Gentleman Jack alongside Suranne Jones and Sophie Rundle.

Karen Bryson as Sister Philippa

Sister Philippa is the most spiritual of the sisters and first to see the dangers presented by Mopu. 

Karen Bryson is known for playing Avril Powell in the UK version of Shameless.

She’s also starred in the thriller Safe, as well as the BBC mini-series MotherFatherSon in 2019.

Dipika Kunwar as Kanchi

Kanchi is a local girl who is learning how to make lace at the convent.

Dipika Kunwar is an up and coming actress and has previously starred in the comedy short A Date: Plan Before You Go.

More: BBC Patsy Ferran as Sister Blanche

Sister Blanche manages the school. She loves children and hates conflict.

Patsy Ferran was a series regular in NBC series Jamestown, playing Mercy Myrtle.

She’s also starred in the film Darkest Hour, alongside Gary Oldman, and God’s Own Country, with The Crown’s Josh O’Connor.

Black Narcissus airs tonight at 9pm on BBC One.

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