BBC series confirms return date but there's an unexpected cast shake up

A new series of daytime drama Hope Street is coming to One in November. The hit series debuted back in 2021 and is now returning with a fourth instalment, consisting of eight episodes.

Hope Street will be back on BBC One from Friday, 1 November. However, ahead of its UK TV premiere, the whole series will be available to stream on BBC from 7pm on Monday, 28 October following its launch on BBC One NI.

The daytime show follows the lives of the local police department in the fictional town of Port Devine, based in Northern Ireland. The fourth series marks some huge chances in Port Devine, with actress Kerri Quinn likening it to a "reboot" of Hope Street. She said: "It’s a very different year. We have so many new people, so it feels almost like a reboot. You need that fresh energy."

There's plenty of cast changes in store, including the arrival of new faces and the returning to fan favourites. Derry Girls actress Tara Lynne O'Neill will take on the role of Eve Dunlop, a new Inspector. She makes her presence known immediately, causing Marlene to be unnerved.

Speaking about her new role, Tara said: "Because Eve has known Marlene since school, there is a lovely crossover between the personal and the professional – and there’s stuff to play there. How do you manage your friend? And they haven’t even been friends since they were teenagers so all this time has passed – so who’s in charge? Who’s not in charge? She needs Marlene on her side but also has to put her in her place."

Other new faces include barmaid Brandi McClure, portrayed by Katie Shortt, who describes her character as "very fun" and "very obsessed with Nicole". There's also Eve's mum Lois Dunlop (Eleanor Methven), Eve's stepdaughter Chloe Jackson (RhéAna Kamalu), and Eve's troubled son, Ross Dunlop (Jonny Grogan).

Teasing her character, RhéAna said: "Chloe is apprehensive [about moving to Port Devine] but quickly it’s a breath of fresh air. It’s very nice for her to feel welcome. She’s a firecracker! A fun and a confident young woman."

Elsewhere, there's a new Detective Constable in Port Devine. Marcus Onilude, known for starring in Ted Lasso, joins the cast as Luke Jackson, who sparks up a connection with Eve almost immediately.

As well of plenty of new faces, there's also lots of returning characters. PC Callum McCarthy (Niall Wright) will be back at the centre of the drama in series four. His father Seamie (Paddy Jenkins) also makes a shock appearance, and Callum's romance with Jo Lipton (Karen Hassan) is in trouble.