The Long Call
TV

The Long Call: ITV confirms start date for Ben Aldridge crime drama from Ann Cleeves

Adapted from the novel by the acclaimed Vera writer

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ITV continues its stretch of excellent dramas with The Long Call, which has finally been given a transmission date.

Starring Ben Aldridge and Pearl Mackie, the four-part crime drama will be event television.

But just what is it about? When is it on? And what else have the stars been in?

Find out all you need to know abou the thrilling ITV series.

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What is The Long Call about?

The Long Call has been adapted for ITV from the bestselling novel of the same name by Ann Cleeves – best known for penning the Vera novels.

It sees Detective Inspector Matthew Venn (played by Ben Aldrige) return to live in a small community in North Devon with his husband, Jonathan (played by Declan Bennett).

first look at the long call
This is the first look image released of The Long Call (Credit: ITV)

Pearl Mackie plays DS Jen Rafferty, a former Londoner who has relocated to this isolated destination with her two teenage children.

A first-look image released earlier this year shows Ben and Pearl in character together.

Read more: Kate Garraway reveals heartwarming Derek Draper update

The official synopsis for The Long Call reads: “After the body of a man is found on the beach close to Matthew’s home, the investigation throws a cast of doubt on the whole community.

“Matthew and his team have to get to the bottom of a case which brings with it old wounds and a deadly secret in order to expose the killer.”

When is The Long Call on ITV?

An official release date for The Long Call has now been confirmed as Monday, October 25.

Juliet Stevenson
Juliet Stevenson also stars in The Long Call (Credit: ITV)

What else has Ben Aldridge been in?

Ben, 35, is recognisable for his various recent television roles.

He played the hilarious role ‘A***hole guy’ in the award-winning series Fleabag, and Captain James in Our Girl.

He also played Thomas Wayne in Pennyworth.

"Pennyworth" Los Angeles Premiere
Ben Aldridge as Thomas Wayne (Credit: SplashNews)

Additional credits include roles in Reign, Compulsion and Lewis.

Ben said he’s thrilled to be starring in The Long Call: “I’m delighted to be playing Matthew Venn, a brilliantly unorthodox detective who audiences will see solving a gripping and intricate case while simultaneously surmounting a deeper, more personal mystery within himself.

“It’s a poignant and complex journey of self-discovery and sexual and religious identity.

“It’s a poignant and complex journey of self-discovery and sexual and religious identity, which navigates the tension between pride and shame.

“I feel privileged to be bringing it to ITV viewers in The Long Call.”

Pearl Stevenson
Pearl Stevenson co-stars in this upcoming ITV drama (Credit: SplashNews)

Where have you seen Perl Mackie before?

Pearl, 33, is perhaps most well-known for her role as Bill Potts in Doctor Who.

You may also recognise her as Elsa Powers in Gods of Medicine.

Or as Kay in Urban Myths.

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Who else is in The Long Call?

The Long Call cast also includes Neil Morrissey, Sarah Gordy, Amit Shah and Juliet Stevenson.

Will you be watching this one? Let us know on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor