Keeley Hawes has built one of British television’s most impressive résumés over four decades. Her Keeley Hawes TV shows span espionage thrillers, police procedurals, period dramas, and dark comedies. This guide covers her major roles from Spooks and Line of Duty to recent hits like The Assassin and Miss Austen.
Who Is Keeley Hawes?
Clare Julia “Keeley” Hawes was born on 10 February 1976 in London and trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School. She began her career in literary adaptations during the late 1990s before gaining wider recognition through the BBC espionage drama Spooks. Over three decades, she has become a fixture of prestige British television, earning three BAFTA TV Award nominations. She is also known for voicing Lara Croft in several Tomb Raider video games.
Keeley Hawes TV Shows: 2020s
The Assassin (2025) casts Hawes as Julie, a retired hitwoman living on a Greek island whose past forces her back into action alongside her estranged son, played by Freddie Highmore. She described the role as a “perimenopausal James Bond” and performed many of her own stunts. The series was created by Harry and Jack Williams, who previously worked with her on The Missing.
Miss Austen (2025) is a four-part BBC period drama based on Gill Hornby’s novel. Hawes plays Cassandra Austen, exploring why she destroyed many of her sister Jane’s letters after Jane’s death. The series examines sisterly love and sacrifice within one of literature’s most celebrated families.
Scoop (2024) is a Netflix drama about the BBC Newsnight interview with Prince Andrew. Hawes portrays Amanda Thirsk, the Duke of York’s former private secretary who helped secure the interview. The film features an ensemble cast including Gillian Anderson and Billie Piper.
Orphan Black: Echoes (2023–2024) is a science fiction thriller set in the same universe as Orphan Black. Hawes plays Kira Manning across ten episodes of the series, which aired on BBC America and AMC.
Stonehouse (2023) is a three-part ITV drama based on the true story of disgraced politician John Stonehouse. Hawes plays his wife Barbara, reuniting on screen with her real-life husband Matthew Macfadyen, who portrays John. The production filmed Australian scenes in Malaga, Spain.
It’s a Sin (2021) is Russell T Davies’ acclaimed drama about a group of friends during the 1980s AIDS crisis. Hawes plays Valerie Tozer, the mother of Ritchie, played by Olly Alexander. The series received eleven BAFTA nominations and drew nearly nineteen million views on All 4. Hawes noted the parallels between the pandemic depicted and the COVID-19 experience.
Finding Alice (2021) is a comedy-drama where Hawes plays Alice Dillon, a woman dealing with her husband’s sudden death and the secrets he left behind. She served as an executive producer on the series. Honour (2020) is a two-part ITV drama where Hawes plays DCI Caroline Goode, also serving as executive producer.Keeley Hawes Quick Bio
Notes on sources: Age, birthplace, full name, height, and education are confirmed across multiple reference sources. Net worth figures vary between sources ($3M vs. $5M) and some are explicitly combined with her husband’s assets, so a range is presented. Awards and nominations are drawn from her Wikipedia awards table. Social media handle is verified from search results.
Keeley Hawes TV Shows: 2010s
Bodyguard (2018) is a political thriller where Hawes plays Home Secretary Julia Montague, assigned a protection officer with PTSD played by Richard Madden. Her character’s shocking assassination midway through the series drew comparisons to Janet Leigh’s exit in Psycho. The finale attracted record UK ratings, with roughly 20% of the country watching. Hawes earned a BAFTA nomination for the role.
Line of Duty (2014–2016) cast Hawes as DI Lindsay Denton, a complex and morally ambiguous anti-corruption officer. Her performance was described by The Daily Telegraph as “the performance of 2014,” and she received a BAFTA TV Award nomination for Best Actress. Hawes has said the role marked a turning point in her career, moving beyond ingénue parts.
The Durrells (2016–2019) is an ITV comedy-drama based on Gerald Durrell’s memoirs. Hawes stars as Louisa Durrell, a widow who moves her family to Corfu in the 1930s across 26 episodes. The Missing (2014–2016) is a BBC drama where she plays Gemma Webster, also created by the Williams brothers.
Ashes to Ashes (2008–2010) is a sequel to Life on Mars where Hawes plays DI Alex Drake, a police psychologist transported to the 1980s. The role earned her a Glamour Award. Upstairs, Downstairs (2010–2012) saw her play Lady Agnes Holland in the revival of the classic series. The Casual Vacancy (2015) adapted J.K. Rowling’s novel with Hawes as Samantha Mollison.
Keeley Hawes TV Shows: 2000s
Spooks (2002–2004) was Hawes’ breakthrough role as Zoe Reynolds, a member of the counter-terrorism team. The BBC espionage drama also introduced her to her future husband, Matthew Macfadyen. Tipping the Velvet (2002) is a period drama adaptation where she played Kitty Butler.
Doctor Who (2014) featured Hawes in the episode “Time Heist” as Ms. Delphox and Madame Karabraxos. The Vicar of Dibley (2006–2007) cast her as Rosie Kennedy in two episodes. Earlier roles include Our Mutual Friend (1998) and Wives and Daughters (1999).
Where to Start: Best Keeley Hawes Shows for New Viewers
For newcomers, Bodyguard offers a gripping introduction to Hawes’ ability to command a scene as a powerful, divisive figure. Line of Duty showcases her range as a morally complex anti-heroine in one of Britain’s most addictive crime thrillers. The Durrells provides a lighter alternative, with Hawes’ warmth and comedic timing on full display. Ashes to Ashes remains a fan favourite for its blend of nostalgia and supernatural drama. For recent work, The Assassin demonstrates her continued ability to lead action-driven storytelling at 49.
FAQ
What is Keeley Hawes best known for? Hawes is best known for her roles in Line of Duty, Bodyguard, Spooks, and The Durrells. She has received three BAFTA TV Award nominations.
What was Keeley Hawes’ role in Bodyguard? She played Home Secretary Julia Montague opposite Richard Madden. Her character’s mid-series assassination became one of 2018’s most talked-about TV moments.
Was Keeley Hawes in Line of Duty? Yes, she played DI Lindsay Denton in seasons two and three, earning a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress.
What is Keeley Hawes’ most recent TV show? In 2025, she starred in The Assassin on Prime Video and Miss Austen on BBC.
Conclusion
Keeley Hawes has sustained a remarkable television career by consistently choosing complex, varied roles. From her breakthrough in Spooks through acclaimed performances in Line of Duty and Bodyguard to recent projects like The Assassin, she remains one of Britain’s most reliable and versatile screen actors. For anyone exploring her filmography, the depth of her work across four decades offers plenty to discover.
