The BBC crime drama Strike has revealed its cast for the upcoming seventh season, based on J.K. Rowling's novel The Running Grave under her Robert Galbraith pseudonym. Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger reprise their roles as detectives Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott, with new and returning actors joining the production. First-look images highlight the leads in character ahead of the 2026 premiere.
Cast Announcements
Tom Burke returns as the brooding private investigator Cormoran Strike, while Holliday Grainger is back as his partner Robin Ellacott. Familiar faces from previous seasons include Ruth Sheen as office manager Pat, Jack Greenlees as Sam Barclay, Tupele Dorgu as Midge, Natasha O’Keeffe as Charlotte, Sarah Sweeney as Lucy, Ben Crompton as Shanker, Stephen Hagan as DCI Richard Murphy, and Caitlin Innes Edwards as Ilsa.
New additions bring fresh dynamics to the story. James Fleet portrays Sir Colin Edensor, Nichola McAuliffe plays Shelley Heaton, Keeley Forsyth takes on Mazu Wace, Fabian McCallum is Will Edensor, and John Lynch appears as Jonathan Wace.
Plot Overview
The season adapts The Running Grave, the 2023 novel in the series. It follows Strike and Ellacott as they are hired by Sir Colin and Sally Edensor to rescue their son Will from the Universal Humanitarian Church, a cult accused of financial exploitation and abuse. Robin infiltrates the group's Norfolk headquarters, Chapman Farm, undercover, facing intense challenges. Strike gathers intel from ex-members outside. The investigation centers on the cult's mythology, including the tale of the Drowned Prophet Daiyu, leading to perilous discoveries.
Production Details
Tom Edge, who has scripted since season 2, handles the adaptation, with Sue Tully directing after helming seasons 4 through 6. The five-part series is set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2026. Previous seasons are currently streaming on BBC iPlayer.
