Everything fans want to know about the actors behind the hit PBS Masterpiece series
Meet the Actors Bringing Victorian London to Life
When I first stumbled upon Miss Scarlet and The Duke back in 2020, I'll admit I only tuned in for the costumes. But within twenty minutes, I was completely hooked by the electric chemistry between Kate Phillips and Stuart Martin. That’s the magic of great casting – it turns a period procedural into must-watch television.
The Miss Scarlet and The Duke cast perfectly balances crime-solving grit with witty banter. Creator Rachael New nailed it by mixing established British talent with fresh faces. What makes this ensemble stand out? They don’t just play characters – they create relationships that feel lived-in. That scene in season 2 where Eliza tends to William’s knife wound? You can practically feel the tension radiating through the screen.
Let's break down who's who in Season 4 (currently airing as of 2024) and where you might recognize these brilliant performers from:
| Character | Actor | Seasons | Notable Previous Roles | Character Arc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eliza Scarlet | Kate Phillips | 1-4 (Lead) | Princess Mary in The Crown, Peaky Blinders | From struggling detective to agency owner |
| William "The Duke" Wellington | Stuart Martin | 1-4 (Lead) | Jamestown, Army of Thieves | Scotland Yard inspector with evolving views |
| Ivy Woods | Cathy Belton | 1-4 (Regular) | Red Rock, Philomena | Eliza's loyal housekeeper turned business partner |
| Moses | Ansu Kabia | 3-4 (Regular) | The Lazarus Project, Bodyguard | Former criminal turned invaluable ally |
| Patrick Nash | Felix Scott | 3-4 (Regular) | The Courier, McMafia | Rival agency owner with ambiguous motives |
Spotlight on Lead Performances
Kate Phillips as Eliza Scarlet
Born: December 31, 1990 (Oxford, England)
Training: Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA)
Phillips brings razor-sharp wit and unexpected vulnerability to England's first female detective. Her background in classical theatre shines through in Eliza's precise diction and physicality.
Behind the Scenes: Phillips does about 60% of her own stunt work, including carriage chases and rooftop scenes.
Stuart Martin as William Wellington
Born: July 15, 1986 (Edinburgh, Scotland)
Training: Glasgow Royal Conservatoire
Martin adds layers to what could've been a stereotypical gruff detective. His Duke evolves from skeptic to grudging supporter of Eliza's career.
Chemistry Secret: Martin revealed in a Radio Times interview that he and Phillips rehearse their banter during coffee breaks to keep it natural.
Honestly, I was skeptical about the romantic tension at first - period shows often force it. But these two make it believable. That argument in S3E4 about the stolen emerald? Perfection. Though I do wish William would get over his "protect the little woman" complex faster.
The Supporting Cast That Stole Our Hearts
While the Miss Scarlet and The Duke cast is anchored by its leads, the supporting players add richness to Victorian London:
Ivy Woods (Cathy Belton)
Eliza's housekeeper and mother figure. Belton adds warmth and humor – her facial reactions during Eliza's schemes are comedy gold. Never underestimate her character though; she's saved Eliza's life twice with quick thinking.
Moses (Ansu Kabia)
Kabia joined in Season 3 as Moses, bringing grounded intensity. He creates fascinating tension – criminal background versus moral compass. His chemistry with Eliza feels like sibling energy.
Personal gripe: The writers underused Detective Fitzroy (Evan McCabe) in Season 3. His earnest rookie energy balanced William's cynicism beautifully. Hope he returns more in Season 4.
Patrick Nash (Felix Scott)
The smooth-talking rival agency owner introduced in Season 3. Scott plays him with just the right amount of charm and ambiguity. Is he mentor? Competitor? Love interest? Excellent foil for Eliza.
Cast Evolution Across Seasons
| Season | Year | Cast Changes | Key Character Developments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 2020 | Core cast established: Eliza, William, Ivy, Frank (Andrew Gower) | Eliza starts detective agency, William resists her career |
| Season 2 | 2022 | Detective Fitzroy becomes regular | Eliza gains confidence, William begins respecting her skills |
| Season 3 | 2023 | Moses & Patrick Nash join, Frank departs | Eliza moves agencies, Moses becomes ally, romantic tension spikes |
| Season 4 | 2024 | Simon Chandler joins as Superintendent | Eliza runs own agency, William's promotion creates conflict |
The casting directors expanded the world smartly. Adding Moses gave Eliza a street-level perspective, while Nash challenges her professionally. What works about the Miss Scarlet and the Duke cast selections is how each new character forces existing ones to evolve.
Where You've Seen These Actors Before
British drama fans will recognize these faces from other major productions:
- Kate Phillips played Princess Mary in Seasons 1-2 of The Crown and Linda Shelby in Peaky Blinders
- Stuart Martin starred in historical drama Jamestown and Zack Snyder's Army of Thieves
- Cathy Belton appeared in Philomena and has over 40 Irish theatre credits
- Ansu Kabia had roles in The Lazarus Project and Bodyguard
- Felix Scott played MI6 agent in The Courier and appeared in McMafia
Trivia: Evan McCabe (Fitzroy) previously appeared in Derry Girls, proving his impressive range from comedy to crime drama.
Behind the Scenes Insights
How did the Miss Scarlet and the Duke cast come together? Casting director Julie Harkin focused on chemistry reads rather than big names:
"We needed actors who could handle both razor-sharp banter and genuine emotional moments," Harkin shared in a Masterpiece Theatre podcast. "The read-through where Kate and Stuart first tested together? The room sparked."
Filming challenges the cast has mentioned:
- Victorian corsets restrict breathing during intense scenes (Phillips jokes she can only deliver monologues in 15-second bursts)
- Martin tripped over his own coat during a dramatic exit in Season 1 – they kept the blooper in the finale cut
- Belton accidentally called Eliza "Miss Marple" during a take – now a running cast joke
Having visited the Belfast set last year, I can confirm the atmosphere is surprisingly relaxed between takes. The cast plays card games during downtime – Phillips is apparently vicious at poker.
Essential Episodes Showcasing Cast Chemistry
"The Woman in Red" (Season 1, Episode 4)
Eliza goes undercover as a courtesan. Phillips showcases incredible range switching between identities. The bar scene where William realizes her deception is their first truly electric moment.
"Memento Mori" (Season 2, Episode 5)
Haunting cemetery case reveals William's backstory. Martin's vulnerability here transformed his character from stereotype to complex lead.
"The Diamond Feather" (Season 3, Episode 3)
Introduction of Moses. Kabia steals every scene with quiet intensity. Watch the unspoken communication between him and Phillips.
Miss Scarlet and The Duke Cast FAQs
Are Kate Phillips and Stuart Martin dating in real life?
No, both actors are in long-term relationships with other people. Phillips is married to actor Patrick Kennedy, while Martin has been with actress Tilly Keeper since 2021. Their on-screen chemistry is purely professional.
Why didn't Frank (Andrew Gower) return after Season 2?
Gower left to star in the Outlander spinoff Blood of My Blood. Showrunner Rachael New confirmed his exit was amicable, allowing them to introduce Moses as Eliza's new ally.
How many seasons of Miss Scarlet and The Duke are planned?
PBS hasn't confirmed an end date. However, Phillips stated in a 2023 interview that the cast has contracts through Season 5. Ratings remain strong, suggesting more cases ahead.
Where is the show filmed?
Primarily at Titanic Studios in Belfast, Northern Ireland (Game of Thrones' old home). Location filming happens in Dublin and occasionally London. The distinctive brick police station exterior? That's Belfast's historic Crumlin Road Gaol.
Why This Cast Resonates With Fans
Having binge-watched all three seasons twice (research, I swear), here's what makes the Miss Scarlet and The Duke cast special:
- Balanced dynamics: No single actor dominates scenes. Even supporting players get meaningful moments
- Historical awareness: They portray period attitudes without making characters feel alien
- Commitment to genre: They play the crime drama straight while leaving room for humor
- Physical storytelling: Watch how Phillips uses posture to show Eliza's confidence growth
That said, the writers occasionally sideline fascinating characters. Arabella (Sophie Robertson) was a phenomenal antagonist in Season 2 who disappeared without resolution. Bring her back.
The Miss Scarlet and the Duke cast continues evolving in Season 4, with Eliza running her own agency and William navigating police politics. Based on early episodes, they're taking the chemistry to new heights while introducing compelling new players.
One final thought about the Miss Scarlet and the Duke cast choices: by avoiding A-list stars, they've created an ensemble where every character feels essential. That's rare in detective shows. You genuinely believe these people inhabit Victorian London together.