Life cast, episodes and how to watch new BBC One drama online

Life is the new BBC One drama from the makers of Doctor Foster.

A teaser for the show shares: “Set in Manchester, Life follows the stories of the residents of a large house divided into four flats. As each of the four stories unfold and intertwine in surprising ways, they tell a larger story about what happens when we step out of our personal space and take a closer look into other people’s lives.

“Life explores love, loss, birth, death, the ordinary, the extraordinary and everything in between.”

Watch Life on TV and online

The new series started on TV on Tuesday September 29 on BBC One at 9PM. New episodes will air weekly on Tuesdays.

Alternatively, the full series is available to watch online for free (in the UK) via BBC iPlayer right here.

This first series has six episodes.

Life cast

Victoria Hamilton will reprise her role from Doctor Foster – now going by the name of ‘Belle’, rather than Anna – and seeking to rebuild her life anew. However her plans are disrupted by the unexpected arrival of her chaotic 15 year-old niece Maya (Erin Kellyman).

Alison Steadman plays Gail, married to Henry (played by Peter Davison), who is about to celebrate her 70th birthday when a chance encounter throws her whole life into question.

Adrian Lester plays David who is happily married to Kelly (played by Rachael Stirling), but is conflicted by temptation when he meets the impulsive Saira (played by Saira Choudhry) on holiday.

Heavily pregnant Hannah (played by Melissa Johns) – who is happily coupled up with safe and stable Liam (played by Joshua James) – has her plans upended by the return of Andy (played by Calvin Demba), with whom she had a passionate one-night stand nine months previously…

Meanwhile, Adam James will appear later on in the series, reprising his Doctor Foster role as Belle’s now ex-husband Neil. Life also features Elaine Paige and Susannah Fielding in key roles.

Life spoilers

In the third episode, each character confronts a truth in their life, and each of them commits an action which cannot be undone.

David (Adrian Lester) investigates Kelly’s (Rachael Stirling) past, unsure of what he’s hoping to find. Can he assuage his doubts, or will he always fear that she wasn’t the woman he thought she was?

An argument with Liam (Joshua James) propels Hannah (Melissa Johns) towards Andy (Calvin Demba), but their unexpected moment of intimacy is interrupted…

Belle’s (Victoria Hamilton) ex-husband Neil (Adam James) walks back into her life and tests her loyalty to Maya (Erin Kellyman), on the night when Maya needs her most.

Gail (Alison Steadman) finally tells Henry (Peter Davison) her true feelings about their relationship in an explosive confrontation which dissects their marriage from its very beginnings. Will Gail stay true to her commitment to Henry or will she finally make a decision for herself?

Life will air over six, hour-long episodes.

The series was filmed in and around Manchester.

Picture credit: BBC