Read more: GMB viewers say teachers have 'too much time off' in four day school week debate One of the stars of the series is Academy Award-nominated British actress Lesley Manville. She plays the role of Julie Jackson, the wife of Gary, a National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) stalwart who is found killed in the street by a crossbow. The series has been highly praised for its writing and its stellar cast, which as well Manville includes David Morrisey and Kevin Doyle.