The BBC police drama Hope Street returns for its fifth series with significant cast shake-ups, including the departure of fan-favorite PC Callum McCarthy. Newcomer Cameron Cuffe joins as Constable Donal Gallagher, while several original stars reprise their roles in the Northern Irish seaside town of Port Devine. The season premieres on BBC One and iPlayer in October 2025.
Overview
Hope Street, the popular BBC Northern Ireland police drama that debuted four years ago, centers on the daily operations and personal lives of officers in the fictional seaside town of Port Devine. The series began with the arrival of detective Leila Hussain, played by Amara Karan, sparking local intrigue. Subsequent seasons explored storylines involving corrupt officer Al Quinn, detective Jo Lipton's romance with PC Callum McCarthy, and major shifts like the exit of the O’Hare family, leading to Inspector Eve Dunlop's introduction.
Season 5 promises more twists, building on these foundations with fresh dynamics in the police department and community.
Key Cast Departures
Niall Wright exits as PC Callum McCarthy, a beloved character whose storyline hinted at a potential move to Belfast with Jo Lipton. His departure aligns with Wright's filming commitments for the upcoming drama A Woman Of Substance. The exact exit plot remains unrevealed.
New and Returning Cast
Cameron Cuffe joins as confident ex-rugby player Constable Donal Gallagher, who brings energy to the station and sparks with new doctor Sasha Cookson. Cuffe, known from Syfy's Krypton, Foster Jenkins, and The Halcyon, praised the welcoming set atmosphere: “I can’t stress enough how genuinely kind and warm and funny these people are.”
Returning originals include Kerri Quinn as tough Sergeant Marlene Pettigrew, who focuses on police work after personal losses. Quinn, familiar from Coronation Street and Derry Girls, noted: “This year for me feels a bit more like season one, whereby Marlene is very much front and centre.”
Tara Lynne O’Neill reprises Inspector Eve Dunlop, a role that quickly won fans; she's best known as Mary Quinn in Derry Girls. Niamh McGrady and Aaron McCusker return as pub owners Nicole and Clint Devine-Dunwoody, navigating family challenges—McCusker films this before his Coronation Street debut.
Finnian Garbutt and Katie Shortt continue as Ryan Power and barmaid Brandi McClure, whose engagement follows her past mistakes. Jenn Murray debuts as direct GP Sasha Cookson, describing her as “a cold blast of air” with hidden depths.
Marcus Onilude returns as detective Luke Jackson, alongside RhéAna Kamalu as Chloe Jackson and Jonny Grogan as Ross Dunlop. Eleanor Methven and Paddy Jenkins reprise Lois Dunlop and Seamie McCarthy, hinting at possible new connections.
Filming and Premiere Details
Filmed in Donaghadee, Co. Down, Port Devine is fictional. The series airs Fridays at 2pm on BBC One starting October 1, 2025, with full episodes streaming from 7pm on October 27 via BBC iPlayer.
Co-creator Paul Marquess highlighted the show's celebration of Northern Irish talent: “Warm, engaging and funny, Hope Street presents Northern Ireland to the world in a fresh new light.”