The War Between the Land and the Sea’ cast: who plays who, from Russell Tovey to Gugu Mbatha-Raw

The War Between the Land and the Sea spoilers won’t be found here.

BBC’s new Doctor Who spin-off, The War Between the Land and the Sea, features some familiar faces. Several members of the UNIT team will return from Doctor Who, alongside new characters, to battle the Sea Devils. This aquatic species is determined to reclaim Earth and wage war on humanity.

I’m so excited about the new Doctor Who spin-off! If you’re like me and want to know everything about the actors involved, Digital Spy has a really helpful guide to all the key cast members.

The War Between the Land and the Sea cast list

Russell Tovey as Barclay Pierre-Dupont
Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Salt
Jemma Redgrave as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart
Alexander Devrient as Christofer Ibrahim
Ruth Madeley as Shirley Anne Bingham
Colin McFarlane as Austin Pierce
Ann Akinjirin as Barbara Pierre-Dupont

Russell Tovey as Barclay Pierre-Dupont

Barclay Pierre-Dupont is an ordinary employee at UNIT whose life is unexpectedly turned upside down when he finds himself in an extraordinary situation.

Russell Tovey first gained recognition for his roles in British shows like Being Human and The History Boys. He then became internationally known for appearing in the HBO series Looking and American Horror Story: NYC.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Salt

Salt is the fierce leader of the Sea Devils, also known as Homo Aqua. Driven to protect her people from humanity’s destruction, she rises to the surface to fight back. However, she finds her attention unexpectedly captured by a human named Barclay…

Gugu Mbatha-Raw began her career with a role in Doctor Who and has since starred in several popular shows. These include leading roles in Apple TV’s Surface and a highly praised episode of Black Mirror called ‘San Junipero’. She’s also appeared in The Morning Show and the Marvel series Loki.

Jemma Redgrave as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart

Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, played by Jemma Redgrave, is the commander of UNIT, a task force dedicated to protecting Earth from alien invasions. She’s worked with several different Doctors since first appearing in 2012.

Jemma Redgrave is well-known for her work in several TV shows. In addition to playing Kate Lethbridge-Stewart in this series and Doctor Who, she’s also recognized for her roles as Bernie Wolfe in Holby City and as Dr. Eleanor Bramwell in Bramwell.

Alexander Devrient as Christofer Ibrahim

Christofer Ibrahim is a Colonel in the British branch of UNIT. He is also dating his superior, Kate Lethbridge-Stewart.

Besides Doctor Who, Alexander Devrient has also appeared in The Bureau and Ted Lasso. He is a German/Lebanese actor.

Ruth Madeley as Shirley Anne Bingham

Shirley Anne Bingham is a key scientific advisor for UNIT and has frequently assisted the Doctor in various conflicts alongside the organization.

Besides playing Shirley Anne Bingham in Doctor Who, Ruth Madeley has appeared in The Rook, Years and Years, and Don’t Take My Baby. Her performance in Don’t Take My Baby earned her a BAFTA TV nomination in 2016.

Colin McFarlane as Austin Pierce

Lieutenant General Austin Pierce is an American military officer. He was previously featured in the Doctor Who spin-off series Torchwood: Children of Earth.

Besides his work in Doctor Who, Colin McFarlane has appeared in several other popular projects. He played Commissioner Loeb in two of Christopher Nolan’s Batman movies and had a role as Ulysses in the STARZ series Outlander. Many children will also recognize his voice from shows like Bob the Builder, Thomas & Friends, and Fireman Sam.

Ann Akinjirin as Barbara Pierre-Dupont

Ann Akinjirin is known for her roles in several popular shows, such as Marvel’s Moon Knight, I May Destroy You, and Brave New World.

You can watch “The War Between the Land and the Sea” starting Sunday, December 7th, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

2025-12-07 10:20