Dive into the heart-wrenching tale of Mr. Bates vs The Post Office, an ITV drama that unravels one of Britain’s most heart-breaking legal injustices. The series vividly brings to life the tragic saga of Post Office sub postmasters and postmistresses. Falsely accused of theft, fraud, and false accounting due to a flawed IT system, these individuals became unwitting victims. In this article, we not only explore the gripping plot but also introduce you to Mr. Bates vs The Post Office cast. Get ready for an emotional journey!
Mr. Bates vs The Post Office plot
Mr. Bates vs The Post Office focuses on the events of 2009 when a group of sub postmasters, led by Alan Bates, decided to take a stand against the injustices they faced. They formed the Justice For Subpostmasters Alliance, aiming to clear their names and seek retribution for the wrongs committed against them. The drama unfolds the struggles, trials, and tribulations they faced in their quest for justice.
Mr. Bates vs The Post Office release date
Mr. Bates vs The Post Office made its debut on ITV1 on New Year’s Day, on January 1, 2024, at 9 pm. Subsequent episodes will be aired nightly at the same time on Tuesday, January 2, and Wednesday, January 3, with the final episode concluding on Thursday, January 4, 2024. The drama will also broadcast on ITVX throughout the early months of 2024.
Additionally, take advantage of the ITVX free trial offer and have the flexibility to cancel your ITVX subscription at your convenience. Explore the competitive pricing options available for ITVX now and immerse yourself in the excitement of this captivating film.
Mr. Bates vs The Post Office cast
Mr. Bates vs The Post Office is a powerful drama that sheds light on a significant chapter in British legal history, brought to life by a talented cast who portray the real-life figures with authenticity and empathy. Lets have a detailed look at each of these cast members:
1. Toby Jones as Alan Bates
Toby Jones portrays Alan Bates, a subpostmaster who, along with his wife Suzanne Sercombe, bought a Post Office and became the main whistleblower in a major scandal. The couple lost £65,000 they had invested in the business and later spearheaded a legal battle against the Post Office, representing 555 claimants. This resulted in a £58 million compensation payout in 2019. Toby Jones, known for his roles in Doctor Who, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and The Hunger Games, brings depth and authenticity to this pivotal character. You can watch Mr. Bates vs The Post Office in the US on ITV and enlighten yourself on the injustice that happened.
2. Julie Hesmondhalgh as Suzanne Sercombe
Julie Hesmondhalgh takes on the role of Suzanne Sercombe, wife of Alan Bates. Together, they bought the Post Office, hoping for a stable income while pursuing their hobbies. Suzanne played a crucial role alongside Alan in setting up a website for other victims and helped establish the Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance. Hesmondhalgh, famous for her role in Coronation Street, portrays Suzanne with a blend of strength and empathy.
3. Monica Dolan as Jo Hamilton
Monica Dolan portrays Jo Hamilton, another subpostmistress who was wrongly accused of theft, leading to a debt of £36,000. Believing she was at fault, Jo remortgaged her house twice to cover the losses. Her conviction was eventually quashed. Dolan, known for her performances in Black Mirror and Pride, brings to life the emotional turmoil and resilience of Jo Hamilton.
4. Krupa Pattani as Saman Kaur
Krupa Pattani plays Saman Kaur, a subpostmistress who also faced false accusations of theft from the Post Office. The ordeal severely impacted her mental health, driving her to the brink of suicide. Pattani, recognized for her roles in Citizen Khan and Hollyoaks, captures the psychological distress and struggle of Saman Kaur with sensitivity.
5. Ifan Huw Dafydd as Noel Thomas
Ifan Huw Dafydd portrays Noel Thomas, a subpostmaster who was among those affected by the scandal and even served time in prison for false accounting. His conviction was later overturned. Dafydd, known for his roles in Gavin & Stacey and Holby City, brings a nuanced performance to the character of Noel Thomas, highlighting his journey through injustice and redemption.
6. Lia Williams as Paula Vennells
Lia Williams plays Paula Vennells, the chief executive officer of the Post Office Limited during the scandal. Williams, with her notable performances in The Crown and His Dark Materials, portrays the complexities and challenges faced by Vennells during this tumultuous period in the Post Office’s history.
7. Alex Jennings as MP James Arbuthnot
Alex Jennings takes on the role of MP James Arbuthnot, who played a significant role in assisting the subpostmasters in their quest for justice. Jennings, recognized for his work in The Crown, This Is Going To Hurt, and A Very English Scandal, brings a sense of gravitas and commitment to the character of Arbuthnot.
8. Will Mellor as Lee Castleton
Will Mellor portrays Lee Castleton, another subpostmaster who was wrongly accused of theft and joined the fight for justice. Mellor, known for his roles in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and various soaps including Hollyoaks and Coronation Street, depicts the character’s struggle and determination in the face of adversity.
9. Shaun Dooley as Michael Rudkin
Shaun Dooley plays Michael Rudkin, who ran a post office in Leicestershire and was one of the many subpostmasters wrongly prosecuted for theft. Dooley, with his diverse acting portfolio including Black Mirror, Misfits, and appearances in soaps like EastEnders and Coronation Street, brings depth to the character of Rudkin, showcasing his battle against injustice.
Apart from the above cast members, there are also other notable members, who are the part of the series. These include:
- Ian Hart as Bob Rutherford
- Katherine Kelly as Angela Van den Bogerd
- Isobel Middleton as Kay Linnell
- Clare Calbraith as Gina Griffiths
- Colin Tierney as Martin Griffiths
- Pip Torrens as Mr Justice Fraser
- Amy Nuttall as Lisa Castleton
- Lesley Nicol as Pam Stubbs
- John Hollingworth as James Hartley
- Adam James as Patrick Green QC
Bottom line!
Mr. Bates vs The Post Office is a gripping drama that sheds light on a significant yet often overlooked chapter in British legal history. With the stellar Mr. Bates vs The Post Office cast and its compelling narrative and a focus on a real-life scandal, the series is a must-watch for anyone interested in stories of justice, resilience, and the human spirit.
