Who was in the original Prime Suspect cast with Helen Mirren, how many series were there and when was it on?
A PREQUEL to the popular 90s crime drama Prime Suspect has hit our screens telling the story of the young WPC Jane Tennison.
But who was in the cast of the smash hit original series and who did Helen Mirren play? Here's the lowdown...
Who was in the original Prime Suspect cast?
Jane Tennison (Helen Mirren)
The British police drama series Prime Suspect ran from April 1991 to October 2006.
It focused on the no-nonsense DCI Jane Tennison, who was an officer in the Metropolitan Police.
The show revolved around her determination to succeed in a male-dominated workplace.
Mirren, who began her acting career with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1967, is one of the few performers who have achieved the Triple Crown of Acting, an Academy Award, Emmy Award and Tony Award.
Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Kernan (John Benfield)
Jane Tennison worked under Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Kernan, before she was later made a DCS herself.
The role was played John Benfield, who was cast in the role early in his career and has gone on to star in several other well-known shows.
Fans of the gritty-faced actor may recognise him from shows like The Bill, Casualty and Doctors.
Detective Sergeant Richard Haskon (Richard Hawley)
One of Jane's co-workers in the police force was the loyal Detective Sergeant Richard Haskons.
This character was played by Richard Hawley who you may have spotted in some of the most popular movies and shows.
He played the role of the deputy prime minister in Love Actually and also was cast in Coronation Street as Johnny Connor.
What happened to Helen Mirren's character in Prime Suspect?
Helen Mirren sparkled in the role of clever and cunning DCI Jane Tennison who rises to rank of Detective Superintendent.
She starred in every season of Prime Suspect, with the show being awarded multiple BAFTA Awards, Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards and a Peabody Award.
During the series, her character is reassigned to many different duties, including a Vice Squad in Soho, which typically enforce law against crime such as prostitution and drug abuse.
How many series of Prime Suspect were there?
There were seven series of Prime Suspect which originally aired on ITV.
The first five series were released roughly one every 18 months, until Mirren left the role before returning to the character after a seven-year gap.
After a long and successful career career as a Senior Investigating Officer, Jane retires from the force at the series end.
What is Prime Suspect 1973 about?
Prime Suspect 1973 is a prequel to ITV hit show Prime Suspect, which famously starred Helen Mirren in the role of Jane Tennison.
The prequel explores Jane’s formative years, with the character now being played by actress Stefanie Martini.
As the name suggests, the show is set in 1973, the year women were full integrated into the police force.
In the series, “naïve yet determined” Jane is thrown in the deep end when she tackles her first ever case investigating the murder of a prostitute.
When is Prime Suspect 1973 on TV and how can I watch it?
The new crime drama started on Thursday March 2 and continues every Thursday for six episodes at 9pm.
Viewers can watch the show on ITV, and it will also be on ITV player immediately after it has aired.
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