Masters of the Air star’s Belfast-set drama announces exciting new cast with Gangs of London star

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Anthony Boyle, known for his role in Masters of the Air, will be joined by Michelle Fairley (from Gangs of London and Game of Thrones) and Hannah McClean (Blue Lights) in a new Channel 4 drama set in Belfast called Close to Home. Fairley will play the character Dearbhla, and McClean will play Bernice.

Jeanne Nicole Ní Áinle (known for How to Get to Heaven From Belfast) will play Julia, alongside Conor MacNeill (Industry) as Marty, Gerard Headley as Finty, Kerri Quinn as Jackie, and Lalor Roddy as Fra.

The series Close to Home is based on Michael Magee’s first novel. Actor Stephen Boyle plays Sean, a young man who returns to his hometown of Belfast, as described in the show’s summary.

He’s home from university, quickly falling back into his old ways – staying up all night, constantly needing to borrow money, and dealing with unreliable jobs. He’s moved back in with his brother and mother, surrounded by unspoken tensions. Life hasn’t improved as hoped since the war ended, and the neighborhood is full of hidden stories. Then, one night, Sean attacks someone at a party, and everything spirals out of control.

Just heard some exciting casting news for the game! Jessica Reynolds, who you might know from A Woman of Substance, is going to play Mairéad alongside Peter Boyle. And Seamus O’Hara, from House of Guinness, is stepping into the role of Anthony, with Oisín Thompson playing Ryan. I’m really hyped to see how these actors bring their characters to life!

Magee adapted the book into a four-part series and Diarmuid Goggins, the director of Code of Silence, oversaw the production.

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Channel 4 has offered a sneak peek of Close to Home, describing it as a vibrant and honest portrayal of young adulthood in a city still healing from conflict. The series explores themes of love, trauma, and the search for belonging against a backdrop of youthful energy and resilience.

Channel 4’s Gemma Boswell announced excitement for the new series, saying it’s an honor to adapt Mick’s award-winning novel for television. “Close to Home” offers a deep look into life in West Belfast, seen through the perspective of Sean, who is portrayed by the talented Anthony Boyle.

We’re thrilled to share Mick’s wonderful story, which beautifully captures what it’s like for young people as they navigate life and discover who they are.

Close to Home will air on Channel 4.

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2026-05-12 17:50