The Famous Five cast: Full list of characters in BBC TV series
Game of Thrones' Jack Gleeson is among the famous faces.
BBC One's latest adaptation of The Famous Five is a family-friendly treat of a watch for all - but that hasn't stopped spooks, thefts and more causing chaos for the gang so far.
The Curse of Kirrin Island premiered back in December, and now Peril on the Night Train has arrived - as the Five head on an action-packed trip to Scotland in pursuit of a dangerous new code machine.
Based on Enid Blyton's Famous Five novels, the series has been adapted and executive produced by Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn, who revealed why he took a turn from violent films to family-friendly TV.
Speaking to Deadline, Refn said: "I didn’t read until I was 13, so TV was a big thing for me as an eight-year-old coming to the States.
"Scooby Doo had something that just magically transported me into this adventure land, so this feels like a very full circle that’s coming to completion. And I’m finally making something that my kids would actually watch."
More like this
The lead role of George is played by Diaana Babnicova (Don't Breathe 2), and she is joined by a cast of rising young talent, as well as more familiar faces like Jack Gleeson, who is widely recognised for portraying Joffrey Baratheon in HBO's Game of Thrones, and BAFTA nominee Ed Speleers as Mr Roland.
With that, read on for everything you need to know about the cast of BBC's The Famous Five.
The Famous Five cast: Characters and actors in BBC adaptation series
You'll find the main cast of The Famous Five below, but scroll on to find out more about their characters and where you may have seen the actors before.
Of course, there would be no Five without faithful canine companion Timmy the dog, who will be played by bearded-collie cross Kip.
- Diaana Babnicova as George
- Elliott Rose as Julian
- Kit Rakusen as Dick
- Flora Jacoby Richardson as Anne
- Jack Gleeson as Wentworth
- James Lance as Quentin
- Ann Akinjirin as Fanny
- Diana Quick as Mrs Wentworth
- William Abadie as Mister Boswell
- Ed Speleers as Mr Roland
Diaana Babnicova plays George
Who is George? The leader of the group, George is an only child and is an independent girl after having grown up without any siblings. Things start off rocky with her cousins but they soon grow their family bond.
Where have I seen Diaana Babnicova before? Babnicova has starred in TV series like Little Darlings as well as movies like Don't Breathe 2 and Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey.
Elliott Rose plays Julian
Who is Julian? The oldest of the group, Julian is the father figure when the adults aren't around. Anne and Dick are his younger siblings.
Where have I seen Elliott Rose before? Rose has appeared in The Northman, as well as short films Milk and Knife Edge.
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Kit Rakusen plays Dick
Who is Dick? Although he's young, Dick is the definite brains of the group. According to Rakusen, Dick is "really clever, he can tell you anything about history, Latin and times tables but he's also funny in his own way".
Where have I seen Kit Rakusen before? Rakusen has starred in Apple TV+ series Foundation and Sky's The Midwich Cuckoos. He has also featured in movies like Belfast, Golda and Consecration.
Flora Jacoby Richardson plays Anne
Who is Anne? With Dick and Julian as her brothers, Anne is used to getting her own way with them and can be quite sassy while also bringing humour to the group.
Where have I seen Flora Jacoby Richardson before? As a newcomer to the world of TV, The Famous Five is Richardson's debut role.
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Jack Gleeson plays Wentworth
Who is Wentworth? Quite a sinister figure, Wentworth is "hell bent on getting what he wants, which is power", according to Gleeson. "He's mercurial and mysterious, you're never sure how he's going to react in certain situation and I love that tension."
Where have I seen Jack Gleeson before? Gleeson is perhaps best known for playing the infamous role of Joffrey Baratheon in HBO's Game of Thrones. More recently, he appeared in the final season of Netflix's Sex Education and In the Land of Saints and Sinners.
James Lance plays Quentin
Who is Quentin? George's father and Fanny's husband, Quentin is a professor and likes to spend a great deal of time by himself. Nevertheless, like any father, he does get quite anxious about George's adventures.
Where have I seen James Lance before? Lance is perhaps best known for his role in Apple TV+'s Ted Lasso as Trent Crimm, a role which earned him a 2022 Emmy nomination. He has starred in numerous comedy series like I'm Alan Partridge and Absolutely Fabulous, as well as series like Black Mirror, Marple and Midsomer Murders.
Ann Akinjirin plays Fanny
Who is Fanny? As well as being George's mother and married to Quentin, Fanny is an accomplished writer who pens novels under a pseudonym. According to Akinjirin, "she's quite a strong-willed, really confident, anchored woman".
Where have I seen Ann Akinjirin before? Akinjirin has had roles in Moon Knight, Strike and I May Destroy You as well as Beforeigners and Trigonometry.
Ed Speleers plays Mr Roland
Who is Mr Roland? Mr Roland is the Famous Five's teacher - who may also be hiding a few secrets (hint: he also goes by 'Agent Keats'). Speaking of the character, Speelers said: "He's trying to not give away what he might be really up to. And actually, some of the children in particular, George, think he might be up to no good - but he isn't really up to no good, he's there on very important business."
Where have I seen Ed Speelers before? Speelers is a BAFTA-nominated actor, having received the nod for his turn in 2018 short film Wale. More recently, he played Jack Crusher in Star Trek: Picard and starred alongside Lindsay Lohan in Netflix's Irish Wish.
The Famous Five episode 2 is available to stream on BBC iPlayer, with further episodes coming soon. For more news, interviews and features, visit our Drama hub, or find something to watch now with our TV Guide and Streaming Guide.
Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
