7 Shocking New Roles And Secrets Revealed By Keeley Hawes, The Queen Of British Drama

Keeley Hawes continues to solidify her reputation as the undisputed Queen of British television drama, with a slate of new projects in late 2024 and 2025 that promise to be her most shocking and diverse yet. As of December 2025, the conversation is dominated by her recent turn as a 'killer mum' in a sun-drenched crime thriller and the highly-anticipated announcement of her next role as a devoted nun in a romantic comedy. Her ability to pivot from the intense, BAFTA-nominated performances in *Line of Duty* and *Bodyguard* to lighter, period fare demonstrates a career at its absolute peak, making her one of the most sought-after actresses in the industry.

Keeley Hawes: Full Biography and Career Profile

Clare Julia "Keeley" Hawes is an English actress and producer whose career spans over three decades, marked by critically acclaimed roles in some of the UK’s most successful television series. Born and raised in London, her early career was defined by literary adaptations before she broke into mainstream fame with high-octane dramas.

• Full Name: Clare Julia Hawes
• Born: 10 February 1976
• Birth Place: Paddington, London, England
• Spouse: Matthew Macfadyen (m. 2004)
• Previous Marriage: Spencer McCallum (m. 2201-2004)
• Children: Two with Matthew Macfadyen (Maggie and Ralph), one from her previous marriage (Myles)
• Key Breakthrough Roles: Zoe Reynolds in *Spooks* (2002–2004), Alex Drake in *Ashes to Ashes* (2008–2010), Lady Agnes Holland in *Upstairs Downstairs* (2010–2012)
• Critically Acclaimed Roles: DI Lindsay Denton in *Line of Duty* (2014-2016), Louisa Durrell in *The Durrells* (2016–2019), Julia Montague in *Bodyguard* (2018), Dorothy Wick in *Mrs Wilson* (2018)
• Awards & Nominations: Multiple BAFTA nominations (including for *Bodyguard* and *Mrs Wilson*), a Critics' Choice Television Award nomination, and a Broadcasting Press Guild Award.
• Other Ventures: Co-founder of the production company Buddy Club Productions.

The 4 Most Shocking New Roles & Upcoming Projects for 2025

Hawes' recent project announcements show a clear intention to diversify her portfolio, moving seamlessly between hard-hitting thrillers and surprising romantic comedies. These four roles are currently generating the most buzz among fans and industry insiders, confirming her status as a powerhouse talent.

1. The Killer Mum in 'The Assassin' (Released July 2025)

One of Hawes' most recent and gripping performances landed on Prime Video in the UK and Ireland on Friday, July 25th, 2025, with the release of the crime thriller, *The Assassin*. The series, created by the acclaimed Williams brothers (known for *The Missing* and *The Tourist*), sees Hawes take on the role of an unnamed "killer mum" on the run.

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The high-stakes plot is set on a sun-drenched Greek island, where her character is forced to confront her estranged son, played by Freddie Highmore. This dynamic of a mother-son reunion under the most dangerous circumstances—with her being a professional assassin—provides a fresh, tense twist on the crime genre. The series is a co-production for Amazon Prime Video, ZDF, and Stan, ensuring it reaches a massive global audience.

2. The Nun Who Falls in Love with a Priest (Title TBC)

Perhaps the most surprising announcement on Hawes' slate is a new romantic comedy-drama where she is set to play a devoted nun. The series, co-created by Jack Thorne, a writer known for his work on *His Dark Materials* and *National Treasure*, centers on a nun named Anna who falls in love with a Catholic priest named David, played by *Black Mirror* and *The Lazarus Project* star Paapa Essiedu.

This project is a major departure from her recent work, offering a blend of genuine emotion and light-hearted drama. The premise—a forbidden romance within the confines of the church—is a strong, character-driven narrative that will allow Hawes to showcase her comedic and dramatic range in equal measure. The series is currently in development and is expected to be one of the most talked-about dramas of 2025.

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3. The Literary Icon in 'Miss Austen' (BBC1)

Hawes is returning to the world of period drama, which first launched her career, by starring in the BBC1 adaptation of *Miss Austen*. This limited series, based on the novel by Gill Hornby, focuses on the life of Cassandra Austen, the sister of the legendary novelist Jane Austen.

The project provides a deep dive into the emotional landscape and sacrifices made by the women behind one of literature's greatest names. Given the BBC's history of high-quality literary adaptations, this role is poised to be an awards contender, allowing Hawes to deliver a nuanced, emotionally rich performance as a woman navigating the restrictive social codes of 19th-century England.

4. Narrator for 'Airborne'

Demonstrating her versatility beyond on-screen acting, Keeley Hawes is also lending her voice to narrate the original series *Airborne*. While details on the plot are sparse, her involvement as a narrator adds another layer to her creative output, following in the footsteps of many acclaimed actors who have moved into voice work for documentaries and audio dramas. This non-fiction role ensures her presence across various media platforms in the coming year.

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The Enduring Relationship with Matthew Macfadyen: A Power Couple Secret

Beyond her professional triumphs, Keeley Hawes' personal life is often a subject of intense public fascination, particularly her enduring marriage to fellow actor Matthew Macfadyen, best known for his Emmy-winning role as Tom Wambsgans in *Succession*.

The couple met on the set of the spy drama *Spooks* in 2002, where they played on-screen colleagues Zoe Reynolds and Tom Quinn. Their relationship began while Hawes was still married to her first husband, Spencer McCallum, a detail that initially drew significant media attention.

They married in 2004 and have since become one of the most respected and private power couples in British entertainment, celebrating over two decades of marriage. Their secret to success, according to Hawes, is a mutual respect for each other's demanding careers and a commitment to keeping their private life out of the public eye. Their shared experience of navigating the industry, from the intense pressure of a global hit like *Bodyguard* to the awards success of *Succession*, has cemented their bond.

Top 15 Essential Keeley Hawes Roles for Topical Authority

To fully appreciate the breadth of Keeley Hawes' career, it is necessary to examine the roles that have defined her as a modern acting legend. Her work spans historical dramas, gritty crime thrillers, and dark comedies, providing a masterclass in screen performance.

Key Television Roles:

• DI Lindsay Denton (*Line of Duty*): A complex, morally ambiguous character that earned her a BAFTA nomination and is considered one of the show's best antagonists.
• Julia Montague (*Bodyguard*): The ambitious Home Secretary whose shocking fate drove the plot of the global hit BBC thriller.
• Louisa Durrell (*The Durrells*): The widowed matriarch who moves her family to Corfu, showcasing her warmth and comedic timing.
• Zoe Reynolds (*Spooks*): Her breakthrough role as a dedicated MI5 officer, where she met her future husband, Matthew Macfadyen.
• Dorothy Wick (*Mrs Wilson*): The wife of a spy, whose life unravels after her husband's death, earning another BAFTA nomination.
• Detective Chief Inspector Caroline Goode (*Honour*): A powerful performance as the real-life detective investigating an honour killing.
• Gemma Webster (*The Missing*): A heartbroken mother searching for her missing daughter.

Key Film Roles:

• Patricia Neal (*To Olivia*): Portraying the actress and wife of Roald Dahl in the biographical drama.
• Jane (*Death at a Funeral*): The 2007 black comedy classic.
• Ann (*High-Rise*): The dystopian thriller alongside Tom Hiddleston.
• Miss World Organiser (*Misbehaviour*): The historical drama about the 1970 Miss World protest.

From playing a dedicated nun to a ruthless assassin and a grieving literary sister, Keeley Hawes' upcoming projects confirm that her reign over British television is far from over. Her ability to embody such vastly different characters, combined with her enduring presence as part of one of the industry's most private and powerful couples, ensures that every new announcement becomes an event.