In the mid-90s, a low-budget drama calledThis Lifequietly exploded onto British television, captivating audiences and launching the careers of a generation of actors. It wasn’t slick or polished; it was raw, honest, and utterly compelling, a snapshot of young adulthood grappling with ambition, love, and the messy realities of life.
The series, set within the cramped walls of a south London house-share, followed a group of newly qualified lawyers as they navigated their burgeoning careers and complicated personal lives. Miles, Anna, Warren, Milly, and Egg – their struggles, triumphs, and heartbreaks resonated with a generation finding its footing, quickly amassing a devoted following of four million viewers.
Now, after decades away, both seasons ofThis Lifeare returning to screens, offering a chance for original fans to relive the experience and a new audience to discover its enduring appeal. But what became of the talented cast who brought these iconic characters to life?
Jack Davenport, who played the complex and often infuriating Miles Stewart, has enjoyed a remarkably diverse career. He once described his character as “a tt in a lot of respects,” but admitted to a fondness for the role that propelled him into the spotlight.
SinceThis Life, Davenport has become a familiar face on both television and film. He’s appeared in popular series likeCoupling,Breathless, andWhy Women Kill, and even ventured into thePirates of the Caribbeanfranchise as James Norrington. More recently, he took on a role in Ryan Murphy’s controversial series,All’s Fair.
Daniela Nardini, the actress behind the fiercely independent Anna Forbes, earned critical acclaim for her performance, winning a BAFTA award in 1998. Her talent continued to shine in subsequent roles, including appearances inWaterloo Road,Lewis, and the filmSunset Song.
However, Nardini’s path took an unexpected turn. After a breast cancer diagnosis and a period of reflection during lockdown with her daughter, she shifted her focus. She is now a qualified cognitive behavioural therapist, pursuing a new passion while acknowledging a potential return to acting remains open.
Jason Hughes’ portrayal of Warren Jones was groundbreaking for its time, offering a prominent and openly gay character in a primetime drama. He received countless letters from viewers who appreciated the representation. Hughes is now widely recognized as Sergeant Ben Jones in the long-running seriesMidsomer Murders, appearing in over fifty episodes.
Family ultimately became Hughes’ priority. He stepped away fromMidsomer Murdersto spend more time with his wife and three children, briefly exploring opportunities in Hollywood before returning to the UK.
Amita Dhiri, who played the ambitious and conflicted Milly Nassim, continued to build a solid career in television afterThis Life, with roles in series likeHolby CityandSilent Witness. Her most recent high-profile appearance came in 2024, as Mrs. Khanna in the third season of Netflix’s hit series,Bridgerton.
Andrew Lincoln, known for his role as the somewhat lost soul Edgar “Egg” Cooke, has become a household name. WhileThis Lifemarked his early breakthrough, he’s since starred in critically acclaimed shows likeThe Walking Deadand its spin-off,The Ones Who Live.
Lincoln’s face is also instantly recognizable from the beloved romantic comedyLove Actually, thanks to his iconic doorstep scene with Keira Knightley. He recently took on a leading role and executive producer credit in ITV’sCold Water, demonstrating his continued creative drive.
Beyond the core cast,This Lifealso showcased the early talents of future stars like Martin Freeman, Nitin Ganatra, Martin Hancock, and Jodie Whittaker, solidifying its legacy as a breeding ground for British acting talent.
The return ofThis Lifeto screens isn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it’s a chance to revisit a series that captured a moment in time with remarkable honesty and continues to resonate with audiences today.
