Adeel Akhtar & Ciarán Hinds Storm 'Ministry of Time' With Eight Actors

A24’s upcoming BBC drama *Ministry of Time* has announced a major expansion to its ensemble, adding BAFTA‑winning actor Adeel Akhtar and Academy Award‑nominated Ciarán Hinds to a roster that already includes Aoife Hinds and Billy Howle.

The announcement was made this morning by the production team, detailing roles for nine additional actors. The new cast members will deepen the show’s exploration of love across centuries and the perilous power of an enigmatic Ministry.

The series is based on Kaliane Bradley’s debut novel *Ministry of Time* and will be adapted for television by Alice Birch, best known for *Normal People*. Director‑in‑charge Aneil Karia, who helmed *Top Boy*, will steer the six‑part saga.

Production is a collaboration between A24, Beef and Dreaming Whilst Black, with the BBC handling distribution on iPlayer and BBC One.

### Cast Expansion Details

The expanded cast includes Hong Chau, known for *The Whale*, who will play Adela, the Vice‑Secretary of Expatriation. Tamara Lawrance joins as Simellia, a “bridge” working alongside Sophy. Emily Fairn takes on the role of Margaret Kemble, one of Commander Gore’s fellow expatriates.

Josh Finan portrays Captain Arthur Reginald‑Smyth, while Aisling Loftus appears as Anne Spencer.

Tawfeek Barhom and Nahuel Pérez Biscayart round out the new hires, playing the elusive Brigadier and Salese, respectively. Hélène Patarot, who is cast as Sophy’s mother on‑screen, will also portray Channary, the character’s mother in the narrative. These additions bring a mix of veteran talent and rising stars to the production.

Adeel Akhtar will play Quentin Ackerly, Sophy’s handler at The Ministry. This role positions him as a key figure in the organization that frames much of the series’ intrigue. His involvement underscores the show’s commitment to a diverse and experienced cast.

Ciarán Hinds is set to portray Sophy’s father, Peter, while his real‑life wife, Aoife Hinds, continues as the titular Sophy. The on‑screen family dynamic mirrors their off‑screen relationship, adding a layer of authenticity to the drama’s exploration of forbidden romance.

### Production Context

Filming for *Ministry of Time* is underway in and around London, United Kingdom. The production’s executive producers include Alice Birch, Kaliane Bradley, Aneil Karia, and Jo McClellan. Frances du Pille serves as the producer, ensuring the series stays on schedule and within budget.

A24 holds international distribution rights for the show, allowing it to reach a global audience beyond its original BBC airing. The collaboration between A24 and the BBC has positioned the series to capitalize on both streaming and traditional broadcast platforms.

The six‑part format allows for an in‑depth character study while maintaining a brisk narrative pace. Each episode will build on the complex relationships and hidden agendas that define the Ministry’s world.

### Story Premise & Character Dynamics

*Ministry of Time* follows the professional friendship between Sophy and Graham, which evolves into an intense forbidden romance. Their relationship serves as a vehicle to explore how love can transcend centuries. The storyline also reveals the sinister motives of the Ministry, placing both protagonists in escalating danger.

Sophy, played by Aoife Hinds, works closely with her handler Quentin Ackerly at the Ministry. Graham, portrayed by Billy Howle, becomes entwined in a world where time itself is manipulated for political ends. Their bond tests personal boundaries and loyalty to the Ministry’s opaque agenda.

The new cast adds layers to the political the series. Adela’s position as Vice‑Secretary of Expatriation places her at the heart of bureaucratic power struggles. Simellia, Margaret Kemble, and Captain Arthur Reginald‑Smyth all occupy roles that influence the trajectory of Sophy’s mission.

Brigadier and Salese, played by Tawfeek Barhom and Nahuel Pérez Biscayart respectively, embody the elusive nature of the Ministry’s leadership. Their interactions with the main characters amplify the stakes of covert operations and reveal hidden alliances.

The presence of family members on both sides—Peter and Channary—adds personal stakes to Sophy’s journey. Their support or opposition shapes her decisions as she navigates love, duty, and survival in a world where time is both ally and adversary.

### Closing Thoughts

With a star‑studded cast and a plot that blends romance with espionage, *Ministry of Time* promises to deliver fresh narrative angles to BBC viewers. The series’ production team’s decision to broaden the ensemble signals confidence in the story’s depth and potential for audience engagement.

As filming continues across London, anticipation builds for the first glimpse of this intriguing time‑travel drama.