This Life Returns: A Look Back at the Cult Classic and Its Stars Today
Following the exciting announcement that the iconic 1990s series This Life is making a comeback on BBC iPlayer, fans are eagerly revisiting the show that defined a generation. Originally broadcast from 1996 to 1997 on a famously modest budget, the series evolved into a cult classic through sheer word-of-mouth appeal. Its talented cast members have since become some of the most recognizable faces across British television and beyond.
The Legacy of This Life: A Groundbreaking Drama
Set primarily in a south London terraced house, This Life chronicled the lives of a group of twentysomething law graduates as they navigated their early careers and personal dramas from within their chaotic shared flat. The show concluded after 32 episodes, leaving an impressive four million viewers craving more, deeply invested in the imperfect lives of characters like Miles, Anna, Warren, Milly, and Egg—a group described as a mess of love, drugs, and excess.
Fortunately, both seasons are set to return to streaming this month, offering longtime fans a chance to relive the magic and introducing a new generation to its raw, compelling storytelling. But what have the stars of This Life been up to in the 30 years since the show first aired? Let's dive into their journeys.
Jack Davenport: From Miles Stewart to Hollywood Star
Jack Davenport, now 53, portrayed the often sexist law graduate Miles Stewart, a character he once humorously described as a t**t in a lot of respects but one he loved playing. This early role launched a highly successful career. On television, he has been a series regular in shows like Coupling (2000-2004) and has appeared in Breathless (2013), Why Women Kill (2019), and The Morning Show (2019). He also recently featured in the controversial Hulu series All's Fair.
In film, Davenport is best known for his role as James Norrington in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, alongside performances in The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) and Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014).
Daniela Nardini: From Anna Forbes to New Passions
Scottish actress Daniela Nardini earned a BAFTA for Best Actress in 1998 for her role as Anna Forbes, a character viewers deeply rooted for. She also won a Scottish BAFTA for the part and another in 2009 for New Town. Her television work includes roles in Waterloo Road (2012), Lewis (2008), and Vera (2010), with film appearances in Elephant Juice (1999) and Sunset Song (2015).
Nardini has an extensive theatre background, with performances in productions like Camille (2003) and A Streetcar Named Desire (2009). In recent years, personal challenges, including a breast cancer diagnosis, led her to step back from acting. She has since focused on new endeavors, such as painting and training as a counsellor. As of 2026, she is listed as a qualified cognitive behavioural therapist on Counselling Directory.
Jason Hughes: Groundbreaking Representation and Family Life
Welsh actor Jason Hughes, now 55, played Warren Jones, an openly gay character that was groundbreaking for primetime drama in the 1990s. He received numerous letters from young men appreciating the representation. Hughes is perhaps best known today as Sergeant Ben Jones in Midsomer Murders, appearing in 53 episodes since 2005.
He has also starred in Death in Paradise and its spin-off Beyond Paradise, as well as Marcella. A devoted family man, Hughes is married to jewellery designer Natasha Dahlberg and has three children. He left Midsomer Murders to spend more time at home, briefly trying Hollywood before returning to the UK.
Amita Dhiri: From Milly Nassim to Bridgerton Fame
Amita Dhiri, now in her sixties, portrayed Djamila 'Milly' Nassim, a sensible legal high-flyer whose relationship with Egg was central to the plot. Post-This Life, she appeared in TV series like Absolute Power, Holby City, and The Bill. One of her most notable recent roles was as Mrs Khanna in season 3 of Netflix's Bridgerton in 2024.
Off-screen, Dhiri is married to music producer Bradley Carroll, and they share two daughters, Maeve and Edana.
Andrew Lincoln: From Egg Cooke to Global Stardom
Andrew Lincoln, now 52, started his career as Edgar 'Egg' Cooke, a character disillusioned with the legal profession. He has since become a household name, with early roles in The Woman in White and Teachers. Lincoln is iconic for playing Mark in the 2003 rom-com Love Actually, famous for his doorstep scene with Keira Knightley.
He gained massive popularity as Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead and its 2024 spin-off, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. Most recently, he starred as John in ITV's Coldwater, also serving as an executive producer.
Guest Stars and Where to Watch
This Life also featured notable guest stars, including Martin Freeman, Nitin Ganatra, and Jodie Whittaker. The series returns to BBC Four on Wednesday, March 18, at 10pm, with both seasons and the 10-year reunion special available on iPlayer from that date.
This revival offers a perfect opportunity to celebrate a show that captured the essence of 90s youth culture while exploring the diverse paths its stars have taken over the past three decades.
