ITV's hit detective series McDonald and Dodds is back on our screens with its fourth season. Starring Jason Watkins and Tala Gouveia, the hit drama follows the titular unlikely duo who are thrown together to solve complex crimes – and discover that they need each other more than they ever expected. So who are the lead actors and where have we seen them before? Here's all you need to know...
1/5
© ITVTala Gouveia as DCI McDonald
As an ambitious, driven police officer, Tala said that it was a "fantastic" part to play. Speaking about her character she said: "She is a great female lead and as a young woman of colour, is the boss of a middle-aged white man.
"That's partly what drew me towards it. It's a little bit different and not necessarily the representation I have seen growing up or watching detective shows." Tala has previously starred in Go Jetters, Cold Feet and Plebs.
2/5
© ITVJason Watkins - DS Dodds
Jason Watkins plays DS Dodds, a quiet and unassuming officer with a clever mind who has the opposite approach to McDonald. Viewers will recognise the actor from his many crime drama roles including Line of Duty, Des and Safe House. He also played Prime Minister Harold Wilson in season three of The Crown.
However, he received a BAFTA for his role as Christopher Jefferies in the ITV mini-series, The Lost Honour of Christopher Jeffries. He's also known for his comedy role in W1A.
Opening up about his character's working relationship with McDonald in series two, Jason said: "Dodds and McDonald learn from each other. Dodds learns that trying to be assertive is not a bad thing, and maybe she has to take her foot off the gas and think, 'Is there another way around this?'"
3/5
© ITVClaire Skinner as Chief Supt Ormond
Claire Skinner plays "contained" and "tough" Chief Superintendent Ormond. The actress is best known for playing Sue in the BBC sitcom Outnumbered but has also appeared in Coma and Ted Lasso.
4/5
© ITVBhavik C Pankhania as DC Lee
Bhavik C Pankhania plays DC Lee, another of McDonald and Dodds's colleagues at the station. He's previously appeared in World on Fire, Mammals, and DI Ray.
5/5
© ITVCharlie Chambers as DC Goldie
Charlie Chambers plays DC Goldie, who works with McDonald and Dodds at Avon and Somerset Police CID. Fans may recognise Charlie for his role as Ben Mitchell in EastEnders.
