Premiering on Acorn TV on February 17, 2025, Best Interests is a powerful and emotionally charged drama that originally aired on BBC One on June 12, 2023. Created by Jack Thorne (His Dark Materials, This Is England), the series delves into the heart-wrenching story of a family grappling with an impossible decision about their daughter’s life. The show explores themes of love, morality, and the complexities of medical ethics, as parents Nicci (Sharon Horgan) and Andrew (Michael Sheen) face a legal battle over the fate of their severely ill daughter, Marnie (Niamh Moriarty).
With its raw emotional depth, stellar performances, and thought-provoking narrative, Best Interests has been hailed as one of the most compelling dramas of recent years. Let’s meet the talented cast bringing this poignant story to life.
The cast list of Best Interests:
1- Sharon Horgan as Nicci
Sharon Horgan, the Irish actress, writer, and producer, stars as Nicci, a fiercely protective mother fighting for her daughter’s right to live. Known for co-creating and starring in the critically acclaimed series Catastrophe (2015–2019), Horgan has become a household name for her sharp wit and emotional depth. Her work in Divorce (2016–2019) and Bad Sisters (2022) further cements her reputation as a powerhouse in both comedy and drama.
In Best Interests, Horgan delivers a career-defining performance, capturing Nicci’s resilience, vulnerability, and unwavering love for her child. Her portrayal of a mother torn between hope and despair is both heartbreaking and inspiring, anchoring the series with its emotional core.
2- Niamh Moriarty as Marnie
Niamh Moriarty, a rising star in British television, plays Marnie, the young girl at the center of the family’s legal and emotional turmoil. Moriarty’s portrayal of Marnie’s quiet strength and innocence is a standout, showcasing her ability to convey profound emotion with subtlety. Her performance is all the more remarkable given the complexity of the role and the ethical dilemmas it presents.
Moriarty’s work in Best Interests marks her as a talent to watch, with her ability to humanize Marnie’s condition while avoiding clichés. Her chemistry with Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen adds authenticity to the family dynamic, making Marnie’s story all the more impactful.
3- Michael Sheen as Andrew
Michael Sheen, the Welsh actor known for his transformative performances, stars as Andrew, Marnie’s father and Nicci’s husband. Sheen’s illustrious career includes roles in Frost/Nixon (2008), The Queen (2006), and Good Omens (2019–present). His ability to embody complex characters with nuance and intensity makes him one of the most respected actors of his generation.
In Best Interests, Sheen portrays Andrew’s internal conflict with heartbreaking realism, as he struggles to balance his love for his daughter with the weight of impossible decisions. His chemistry with Sharon Horgan adds depth to their portrayal of a couple united by love but divided by grief.
4- Alison Oliver as Katie
Alison Oliver, breakout star of Conversations with Friends (2022), plays Katie, Marnie’s older sister. Oliver’s portrayal of Katie’s guilt, anger, and longing for normalcy adds a poignant layer to the family’s story. Her ability to convey the quiet pain of a sibling overshadowed by tragedy is both moving and relatable.
Oliver’s performance in Best Interests further establishes her as one of the most promising young actors in the industry. Her scenes with Niamh Moriarty and Sharon Horgan are particularly powerful, highlighting the ripple effects of Marnie’s illness on the entire family.
5- Melissa Collier as Alice
Melissa Collier, known for her work in The Bay (2019–present) and Doctors (2000–present), plays Alice, a nurse who becomes a key figure in Marnie’s care. Collier’s portrayal of Alice’s compassion and professionalism adds a grounding presence to the series, offering a perspective from the medical frontline.
Collier’s ability to balance empathy with pragmatism makes Alice a standout character. Her interactions with the family and medical team provide a nuanced look at the ethical challenges faced by healthcare professionals.
6- Gary Beadle as Frank
Gary Beadle, known for his role as Paul Trueman in EastEnders (2001–2004, 2014), plays Frank, a family friend and confidant to Nicci and Andrew. Beadle’s portrayal of Frank’s loyalty and quiet strength adds a layer of support to the family’s story, offering moments of respite amidst the turmoil.
Beadle’s career spans stage and screen, with notable performances in Small Axe (2020) and The Interceptor (2015). In Best Interests, his understated yet powerful performance highlights the importance of community in times of crisis.
7- Noma Dumezweni as Samantha
Noma Dumezweni, the Tony-winning actress known for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (2016), plays Samantha, the family’s lawyer. Dumezweni’s commanding presence and sharp intellect make Samantha a formidable advocate, as she navigates the legal and emotional complexities of the case.
Dumezweni’s work in The Undoing (2020) and The Watcher (2022) showcases her ability to portray strong, multifaceted women. In Best Interests, her performance adds a layer of gravitas to the legal drama, underscoring the stakes of the family’s fight.
8- Des McAleer as Eddie
Des McAleer, a veteran stage and screen actor, plays Eddie, Andrew’s father and Marnie’s grandfather. McAleer’s portrayal of Eddie’s gruff exterior and hidden vulnerability adds depth to the family’s generational dynamics.
McAleer’s extensive career includes roles in Game of Thrones (2011–2019) and The Fall (2013–2016). In Best Interests, his performance highlights the ripple effects of Marnie’s illness on the extended family, adding emotional weight to the narrative.
9- Lisa McGrillis as Brenda
Lisa McGrillis, known for Mum (2016–2019) and The Dumping Ground (2013–present), plays Brenda, a social worker involved in Marnie’s case. McGrillis’s portrayal of Brenda’s empathy and determination adds a humanizing touch to the bureaucratic aspects of the story.
McGrillis’s ability to balance warmth with professionalism makes Brenda a relatable and compelling character. Her interactions with the family provide insight into the challenges faced by those working in child welfare.
10- Shane Zaza as Fred
Shane Zaza, known for The English (2022) and Line of Duty (2012–2021), plays Fred, a journalist covering Marnie’s story. Zaza’s portrayal of Fred’s ambition and moral conflict adds a layer of media scrutiny to the family’s ordeal.
Zaza’s ability to convey Fred’s internal struggle between careerism and compassion makes him a standout character. His scenes with the family highlight the invasive nature of public interest in private tragedies.
11- Chizzy Akudolu as Mercy
Chizzy Akudolu, known for Holby City (2012–2017) and Strictly Come Dancing (2017), plays Mercy, a nurse who provides emotional support to the family. Akudolu’s warmth and humor bring moments of levity to the series, offering a respite from the heavy subject matter.
Akudolu’s ability to balance comedy and drama makes Mercy a beloved character. Her interactions with the family and medical team highlight the importance of compassion in healthcare.
12- Mica Ricketts as Hannah
Mica Ricketts, known for The Royals (2015–2018) and The Spanish Princess (2019–2020), plays Hannah, a young doctor involved in Marnie’s care. Ricketts’s portrayal of Hannah’s idealism and growing disillusionment adds a fresh perspective to the medical ethics debate.
Ricketts’s ability to convey Hannah’s emotional journey makes her a standout character. Her scenes with the family and medical team highlight the personal toll of working in high-stakes healthcare.
With its stellar cast, gripping narrative, and exploration of profound ethical dilemmas, Best Interests is a must-watch drama that will leave audiences reflecting long after the credits roll. Don’t miss its Acorn TV premiere on February 17, 2025.
