Daniel Mays’ 7 best ever performances – and forgotten gems

by

The suspenseful drama Des has quickly become popular on Netflix after being added to the streaming service. It originally aired on ITV in 2020.

The series follows the capture and conviction of serial killer Dennis Nilsen, brought to life by David Tennant, and also features Daniel Mays as the detective, Peter Jay, who was determined to bring justice to the victims and their loved ones.

While Tennant was excellent as Des, it’s important to also recognize Mays’ performance. He skillfully showed Jay’s intense fear and unwavering resolve over the course of the three episodes.

What to Read Next

This actor consistently delivers fantastic performances in every role he plays, so we’ve compiled a list of his best TV appearances so far.

We also want to highlight some other great options, and if you enjoy Mays’ work, be sure to check these out too.

Come explore the best work of this star and find out if your top performance made our list!

Ashes to Ashes

I remember watching the last season of that Life on Mars spin-off, and even though he only showed up then, Dean Mays really stood out as the sneaky and underhanded DCI Jim Keats. He definitely made an impression!

When I first saw Jim, I thought he was going to be this helpful figure for Alex, especially with everything she was going through trying to get back to her own time. Keeley Hawes was amazing, though! It quickly became clear Jim wasn’t who he seemed – he was actually the devil, and the show brilliantly revealed that he was stuck in some kind of police officer’s hell. It was such a cool twist!

A masterclass moment which struck gold right at the end of an already captivating story.

The Long Shadow

This ITV mini-series dramatized the crimes and eventual capture of Peter Sutcliffe (portrayed by Mark Stobbart). Maya Sondhi played Sydney, the husband of Emily (Katherine Kelly), one of Sutcliffe’s victims.

Although Toby Jones and David Morrissey were central as the detectives, Lesley Mays delivered a truly memorable performance portraying the devastating grief of someone who has lost a loved one to such violence.

Temple

Lee, a troubled man connected to Mays, used his influence to help surgeon Daniel (Mark Strong) establish a secret clinic for patients who couldn’t get traditional hospital care.

Mays skillfully balanced dark humor with the serious themes of the show, preventing it from becoming overly stressful and making it feel more realistic.

Bookish

Mays appeared as a guest star, playing Eric, a butcher caught up in one of the first cases investigated by Mark Gatiss’ character, Gabriel Book.

No matter how big or small the part, Mays consistently delivers a powerful performance. In Bookish, his captivating presence on screen really enhanced the story.

Line of Duty

Perry Fitzpatrick played Danny Waldron in season three of Line of Duty, and his character’s death was a significant plot point.

Even though he wasn’t in a ton of episodes, I think Mays totally deserved his place in the show’s legacy. His performance as Danny falling apart was so powerful, especially when he finally confronted and killed the man who’d abused him as a kid. It was a really impactful moment.

Code 404

Starring television favorites Daniel Mays and Stephen Graham (known from Line of Duty), Code 404 centers around detectives John Major and Roy Carver. The show begins after DI Major is killed in the line of duty, only to be revived using artificial intelligence.

The story really takes off when John, somehow brought back to life, acts completely differently than he used to, allowing the actor to show off his comedic skills in a fresh and exciting way.

Mrs Biggs

Alongside Sheridan Smith, who starred as Charmian, Mays portrayed the notorious train robber Ronnie, who broke out of prison and lived overseas for more than thirty years.

While Mrs. Biggs received a lot of attention, Mays brilliantly portrayed the imperfections and quirks of his character, making his five-episode storyline truly captivating.

Des is available to stream on Netflix.

The latest issue of Living Legends is now available! You can purchase Ariana & Witches at newsstands or online for only £8.99.


Read More

2025-11-13 20:51