Years and Years returns to BBC One TONIGHT for the final episode – here’s what’s in store and who’s in the cast with Emma Thompson
YEARS and Years is the hilarious drama following the perspective of a family dealing with fifteen years in Britain… and it’s not afraid to get political.
The BBC show has been leaving fans in stitches, particularly with Emma Thompson at the helm of the series. But catch it while you can as the series’ finale is just next week…
When is Years and Years on TV?
The series will end TONIGHT (Tuesday, June 18, 2019) when it airs on BBC One.
You can catch the final episode of the series at 9pm.
And as always it will last for an hour.
If you happen to miss the episode, you can always stream it again on BBC iPlayer.
What’s happening tonight on Years and Years?
Episode six – As Viv Rook’s regime tightens its grip, the entire Lyons family is forced to take action.
Spurred on by both Muriel and Daniel, Rosie faces up to the troops surrounding her home and takes radical action with Lincoln’s help. When Bethany reveals the shocking truth about her father, Edith and Celeste form a secret alliance to stop him.
But Stephen is in too deep, as the mysterious Erstwhile Policy turns deadly, forcing Edith and her girlfriend Fran to embark on a reckless, dangerous mission for Viktor’s sake. On a long, dark night, the challenge is clear: can one ordinary family actually change the world?
What is Years and Years about?
Years and Years focuses its attention on the Lyons family, based in Manchester, who are forced to deal with the “turmoil of politics, technology and distant wars” affecting their day-to-day lives.
In just six episodes, viewers will have seen “Britain withdraw from Europe, America becomes a lone wolf, China asserts itself, and a new world begins to form”.
And over the course of a 15-year period, viewers see the drama unfold through the perspective of the Lyons family, whose lives are greatly affected through the changes made by world leaders.
Emma Thompson’s Vivienne Rook is their biggest threat – she’s described as being the female version of Donald Trump, an entertainer, a rebel, a trickster and a terror.
Who is in the cast of Years and Years?
Emma Thompson as Vivienne Rook
Emma Thompson carries the lead role in the series as Vivienne Rook.
Her character is said to be based on Donald Trump, Marine La Pen and Nigel Farage, according to the show’s creator Russell T Davies.
In the series, viewers will get to see Vivienne’s rise as she climbs to power at the helm of her “Four Star” party.
He told RadioTimes: “There’s a whole generation of tricksters learning how to use social media, how to use the television, how to say whatever they like in public as long as it entertains us”.
The actress is also known for movies such as Nanny McPhee, Love Actually, Saving Mr. Banks and Sense and Sensibility.
Russell Tovey as Daniel Lyons
Russell’s character Daniel Lyons is a housing officer, and to say that he puts a lot of effort into his job would certainly be an understatement.
He’s very hard-working and is in a committed relationship with partner Ralph.
But their relationship turns sour, and as things completely fall apart between the two, Ukrainian refugee Vikton catches Stephen’s eye.
You may already be familiar with Russell’s work from The History Boys, Pride, Being Human and the TV series Shane the Chef.
Jessica Hynes as Edith Lyons
Edith Lyons, played by Jessica Hynes, quite literally comes across as the one person in the family that just doesn’t fit in.
Because she’s always on the move and traveling, Edith is rarely in contact with her family members – she prefers to be adventurous.
She’s described to be “radical, dangerous and calculating with a secret life”.
Though her credentials are smaller than some of her cast, Jessica has appeared in movies such as Shaun of the Dead and 2007’s Son of Rambow.
She’s also starred in the TV show Spaced and The Royal Family.
Rory Kinnear as Stephen Lyons
Stephen is a financial advisor who is mainly known for his cool-headed behavior and always wanting to keep peace in the family.
He’s married to a woman named Celeste and father to Bethany, and also has four siblings.
Kinnear is easily recognised for his recurring role as Bill Tanner in the James Bond franchise alongside Daniel Craig.
He’s also starred in movies such as The Imitation Game and Man Up.
Maxim Baldry as Viktor
Viktor is an Eastern-European refugee, having fled Ukraine following the invasion of Russia.
He starts a new life in the UK, with Maxim explaining that the story behind Viktor’s life is definitely something that needed to be told.
Speaking of his character, he said: “He’s seeking asylum in the UK and he meets Daniel in a shipping container housing facility and we develop a relationship. I ingratiate myself in his family and it’s amazing!”
Maxim had a minor part in Mr. Bean’s Holiday before taking on a recurring role in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks in 2016.
Ruth Madeley as Rosie Lyons
Rosie Lyons, a character portrayed by Ruth Madeley, is heavily pregnant right from the beginning of the show.
Ruth teased that Rosie “is the youngest of the siblings and she is very ballsy. Very independent, very feisty. I adore her! She was a dream to play.”
She’s appeared in 2015’s Don’t Take My Baby and Five by Five in 2017.
Anne Reid as Muriel Lyons
Anne Reid plays Muriel Lyons and she is the mother to four children.
Don’t let her nice charm fool you because she won’t take any nonsense from nobody. That would explain why she doesn’t get along with Stephen’s wife Celeste.
They two are regularly clashing between one another and it’s no secret that Muriel doesn’t think much of her son’s wife.
Anne starred in 2007’s Hot Fuzz and more recently played Mrs. Bendiksen in 2017’s The Snowman alongside Hollywood star Liam Neeson.
T’Nia Miller as Celeste Lyons
Celeste Lyons is Stephen’s wife, and she’s not exactly a character that it’s easygoing. In fact, she’s quite the opposite.
Miller described the character as being a “real ball-buster” in an interview with RadioTimes.
He said: “You can expect a couple of one-liners from her. But she’s someone who is loyal and is a real driving force for her family.”
One thing that can’t be taken from her, however, would be her ambition in the field of her career as an accountant.
And as previously mentioned, she doesn’t get along with Stephen’s mother Muriel.
T’Nia has made appearances in shows such as Witless and Doctor Who.
Lydia West as Bethany
Lydia plays Bethany – the daughter of Celeste and Stephen – and given that she’s a teenager, it’s not hard to believe that she’s quite the rebel.
Bethany labels herself as being a “transhuman”, which is someone who wants to leave their body and ultimately become a digital entity.
The BBC series is Lydia West’s first major role on the small screen.
Noel Sullivan as Tony
Noel Sullivan plays the role of Tony in the political drama.
All we know so far is that he goes on a date with Ruth which took place at their children’s school.
The actor first found fame in the ITV talent show Popstars, before kicking off a successful music career as a member of pop group Hear’Say.
He shifted into acting after the band decided to split up in 2002, and it seems things really paid off for him.
MORE ON BBC
Dino Fetscher as Ralph
Dino Fetscher plays Ralph in Years and Years.
He’s characterised as an enthusiastic person but he’s not all that smart.
Ralph is also Daniel’s partner.