Hostage is a brand new Netflix political thriller, centring on a high-stakes state visit that spirals out of control when the British prime minister’s husband is kidnapped and the French president is blackmailed.

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"The two political leaders both face unimaginable choices," reads the official synopsis. "Forced into a fierce rivalry where their political futures, and lives, might hang in the balance, can they work together to uncover the plot that threatens them both?"

From the pen of Bridge of Spies writer Matt Charman, find out who stars in Hostage below.

Hostage cast

  • Suranne Jones as Abigail Dalton
  • Julie Delpy as Vivienne Toussaint
  • Corey Mylchreest as Matheo Lewi
  • Lucian Msamati as Kofi Adomako
  • Ashley Thomas as Alex Anderson
  • James Cosmo as Max Dalton
  • Jehnny Beth as Adrienne Pelletier
  • Martin McCann as Sean

For more information about the characters and where you’ve seen the cast before, read on.

Suranne Jones plays Abigail Dalton

Week 34 The Hostage
Des Willie/Netflix © 2025

Who is Abigail Dalton? She’s the British prime minister, whose leadership and family are thrown into crisis when her husband is kidnapped during a state visit. Fierce, ruthless and unyielding, Abigail is forced to balance political duty with personal turmoil.

What else has Suranne Jones been in? You’ll know her from Doctor Foster, Gentleman Jack, Vigil, Coronation Street and Scott & Bailey.

Julie Delpy plays Vivienne Toussaint

Week 34 The Hostage
Des Willie/Netflix © 2025

Who is Vivienne Toussaint? She is the French president, targeted in a blackmail plot during her UK visit. While clashing with Abigail, she must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect her position and country.

What else has Julie Delpy been in? She’s known for the Before film trilogy comprising Before Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset (2004) and Before Midnight (2013), as well as the Three Colors trilogy, 2 Days in Paris and Waking Life.

Corey Mylchreest plays Matheo Lewis

Sophie Robertson as Saskia and Corey Mylchreest as Matheo in Hostage speaking and smiling at one another.
Sophie Robertson as Saskia, Corey Mylchreest as Matheo in Hostage Des Willie/Netflix

Who is Matheo Lewis? A young figure closely tied to the unfolding conspiracy, whose loyalties and connections place him at the centre of dangerous events.

What else has Corey Mylchreest been in? You’ll recognise him from Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, The Sandman, and My Oxford Year.

Lucian Msamati plays Kofi Adomako

Lucian Masmati in Hostage wearing a dark pinstripe suit, blue shirt and striped tie, holding an open folder and looking intently to the side in a dimly lit room.
Des Willie/Netflix

Who is Kofi Adomako? A senior political adviser whose experience and instincts make him vital as the British government scrambles to respond to the escalating crisis.

What else has Lucian Msamati been in? He’s appeared in Gangs of London, Conclave, His Dark Materials, Game of Thrones and Luther.

Ashley Thomas plays Alex Anderson

Week 34 The Hostage Ashley Thomas as Alex Anderson

Who is Alex Anderson? He’s the husband of Prime Minister Abigail Dalton, whose abduction triggers the chain of events that threaten to derail international diplomacy.

What else has Ashley Thomas been in? He’s starred in Them, 24: Legacy, Salvation and Top Boy. Thomas is also an award-winning musician, going by the stage name Bashy.

Jehnny Beth plays Adrienne Pelletier

Jehnny Beth as Pelletier, Julie Delpy as Vivienne, Lucian Msamati as Kofi, Suranne Jones as Abigail in Hostage
Jehnny Beth as Pelletier, Julie Delpy as Vivienne, Lucian Msamati as Kofi, Suranne Jones as Abigail in Hostage Des Willie/Netflix

Who is Adrienne Pelletier? A member of President Toussaint’s trusted inner circle, Adrienne is drawn into the spiralling crisis as loyalties are tested.

What else has Jehnny Beth been in? She’s known for Anatomy of a Fall, An Impossible Love and Paris, 13th District.

James Cosmo plays Max Dalton

Who is Max Dalton? Abigail's father, offering both support and conflict as she navigates the political and personal chaos.

What else has James Cosmo been in? You’ve seen him in Braveheart, Troy, Game of Thrones, His Dark Materials and Jack Ryan.

Additional cast includes:

  • Martin McCann plays John Shagan
  • Isobel Akuwudike plays Sylvie Anderson
  • Sophie Robertson plays Saskia Morgan
  • Hiftu Quasem plays Ayesha

Hostage is available to stream on Netflix from Thursday 21st August 2025. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.

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Authors

Morgan JefferyDigital Editor

Morgan Jeffery is the Digital Editor for Radio Times, overseeing all editorial output across digital platforms. He was previously TV Editor at Digital Spy and has featured as a TV expert on BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 5 Live and Sky Atlantic.

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