The Vanishings cast as Vikings and Downton Abbey stars join true crime drama
Channel 5 is set to air a new six-part crime drama, The Vanishings, which is based on the true stories from Ireland's infamous Vanishing Triangle. This term was coined by the Irish media to refer to a series of high-profile disappearances of women in the late 80s and 90s that remain unsolved to this day.
The Vanishing Triangle refers to an area in the eastern part of Ireland where several women, aged from their late teens to late 30s, mysteriously disappeared without any clear explanation. There were also a number of murders within this triangle, leading police to suspect a serial killer might have been at work due to the similarities between the cases.
Despite the establishment of Operation Trace by the police to gather information, no significant evidence has ever been found.
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The Channel 5 series features India Mullen in the role of Lisa Wallace, an investigative journalist who delves into the death of her mother. She teams up with detective David Burkely when a killer re-emerges.
Here's everything you need to know about the cast.
Lisa Wallace - India Mullen
Lisa Wallace is played by India Mullen, a 31 year old Irish actress recognised for her performances in Red Rock, Normal People and Brassic.
Mullen made her television debut in the comedy show Damo and Ivor and has also appeared in numerous theatre productions. .
In addition to acting, Mullen has a keen interest in photography.
David Burkely - Allen Leech
David Burkely is portrayed by Allen Leech, a 43 year old Irish actor famed for his roles in Downton Abbey and Bohemian Rhapsody. His acting career kicked off with the 1998 production of A Streetcar Named Desire, and he later landed a significant film role as Vincent Cusack in Cowboys & Angels.
He's married to actress Jessica Blair Herman, and their wedding was attended by his Downton Abbey and Bohemian Rhapsody co-stars. The couple are parents to two daughters.
Gareth Brennan - Aaron Monaghan
Gareth Brennan is played by Aaron Monaghan, a 44 year old Irish actor and director recognised for his work in The Banshees of Inisherin and Assassin's Creed. He's married to actor and writer Clare Monnelly, and they share a daughter.
Susan Reynolds - Laoise Sweeney
Susan Reynolds is played by Laoise Sweeney, known for her roles in Vikings Valhalla and Dead Canny. Recently, Laoise has been working for LAMDA Exams, developing new Performance Qualifications.
She currently holds the position of Interim Lead Practitioner of the Short Courses.
Barbara Adams - Derbhle Crotty
Barbara Adams is portrayed by Derbhle Crotty, a 57 year old Irish actress celebrated for her work with the Abbey Theatre. Her TV and film credits include Notes on a Scandal, Stella Days and Masterpiece.
DCS Gill - Philip O'Sullivan
Renowned Irish actor Philip O'Sullivan has an impressive background in theatre, particularly with the Abbey Theatre.
His notable television appearances include Game of Thrones, Vikings, and The Tudors.
Philip is married to Sandra Ellis, and they have a daughter named Jeanne-Marie. A resident of Glasthule, County Dublin, he enjoys walking, politics, and history in his free time.
Amy Reynolds - Gráinne Good
Gráinne Good is an acclaimed Irish actress who has made a name for herself in both television and theatre, with notable roles in Citadel and Dance First. Her other notable credits include Another Day and The Other Lamb.
Mark Bulger - Brian Moore
Brian Moore recently appeared in an episode of Bad Sisters; however, he is perhaps best known for his performances in Fair City and Sucking Diesel.
Mandy Clarke - Jana Mohieden
Jana Mohieden is a relatively new face in the television industry, with previous appearances in Faithless and Dark Lies in the Island.
Tommy Stephens - Adam John Richardson
Adam John Richardson has gained recognition for his roles in Vikings: Valhalla and Intruder. One of his most significant roles was in The Dry, which inspired him to open up to his father about his sexuality.
In an interview with the Irish Independent, he stated: "I think it’s great that it’s being televised unapologetically. I feel it could help a lot of people delve in. I think every family keeps secrets to protect themselves.
"This show may offer a new perspective on that, that we all do have problems so stop burying them and hiding them. "
Chris Wallace - Stuart Dunne
Stuart Dunne, an Irish actor and artist famed for his role as Billy Meehan in Fair City, is married to Geraldine, who also acts as his agent. The couple welcomed their son Neil in 1991.
Dunne, a self-taught artist, has had his work showcased on The Late Late Show on RTÉ One.
Ger Gough - Stephen Hogan
Stephen Hogan, a 59 year old Irish actor and audiobook narrator, initially studied architecture at Edinburgh University before deciding to follow his passion for drama. His TV credits include Ridley Road, Primeval, The Tudors and Fair City.
The rest of the recurring cast includes:
Maura Foley as Janice Wallace
Jason Daly as Jimmy
Kiera Crawford as Rachel Burkely
Fionnuala Murphy as Francis Reynolds
Sarah Carroll as Mary Burkely
Peter Corboy as Liam Benson
The Vanishings will be broadcast on Channel 5 on February 6 at 9pm.
