Strike: The Cuckoo’s Calling is the first of the BBC TV series, containing three hour-long episodes. Cormoran Strike and his secretary Robin Ellacott investigate the sudden death of a supermodel who committed suicide. Her wealthy brother, who believes it was murder, hires Strike to reinvestigate the case. Below is a list of the characters and the actors who are playing them.
Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott are the two leading roles, played by Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger. Strike is a very private man and rarely discusses his personal life. He is living in his office after a messy break-up and is deep in debt. Robin is recently engaged to her long-term boyfriend, Matthew, and is working as a temp when she arrives at Strike’s office. Their relationship is awkward from the start, when Strike saves Robin after nearly knocking her down the stairs. It doesn’t take long for Strike to be impressed by Robin’s enthusiasm and initiative.
Lula Landry is the supermodel who falls to her death from her Mayfair balcony. She is portrayed by Elarica Johnson, an actress who played a small role in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
John Bristow is the brother of Lula Landry, who comes to Strike wanting him to reinvestigate the case. He works for his family’s law firm and is quite wealthy. Bristow is played by Leo Bill.
Tony Landry is John and Lula’s uncle, a partner in the law firm who wants to put a stop to Strike’s investigation. He is portrayed by Martin Shaw.
Tansy and Freddie Bestigui live in the flat below Lula’s. Tansy claims to have heard an argument upstairs shortly before Lula fell but then changes her statement. They are also clients of John Bristow’s law firm. Tansy is played by Tara Fitzgerald and Freddie by Kevin Fuller.
Derrick Wilson is the security guard on duty the night of Lula’s death. He is portrayed by Brian Bovell.
Evan Duffield is Lula’s boyfriend, a reputed drug addict with a bad temper. He is portrayed by Bronson Webb.
Guy Somé is Lula Landry’s fashion designer and friend, who uses Lula’s work to promote his designs. He is played by Kadiff Kirwan.
Rochelle Onifade is close friend of Lula’s portrayed by Tezlym Senior-Sakutu.
Ciara Porter is a friend of Lula’s who is also a supermodel working for Guy Somé. She is portrayed by Amber Anderson.
Nico Kolovas-Jones (Kieran Kolovas-Jones in the book) is Lula Landry’s favourite driver who saw her the day before she died. He is portrayed by David Avery.
Lady Yvette Bristow is Lula and John’s dying mother, who is portrayed by Siân Phillips.
Charlotte Campbell is Cormoran Strike’s ex-girlfriend who he breaks up with shortly before we first see him on screen. She is portrayed by Natasha O’Keeffe.
Detective Inspector Eric Wardle is the Metropolitan Police detective who investigated the Lula Landry case and came to the conclusion that it was suicide. He is portrayed by Killian Scott.
Matthew Cunliffe is Robin Ellacott’s long-term boyfriend and now fiancé. He is portrayed by actor Kerr Logan (who is actually a nice guy!).
We hope this gives you a useful overview of the wonderful set of characters and cast in The Cuckoo’s Calling. The official UK air date is Sunday 27th August on BBC One at 9pm. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been a date announced yet for the HBO airing.