Shining a spotlight on some incredible actors this International Women's Day.

There are so many brilliant women on television, and whilst they are to be celebrated every day of the year, International Women's Day feels like a perfect opportunity to shine a direct spotlight on some of those women and the exciting new roles they've got coming up.

Including Sheridan Smith as an inner-city casino worker, Michaela Coel as a British-Ghanaian novelist, and Keeley Hawes as a devoted nun.

Other roles include a con artist, a devoted single mum, a social humanoid robot, a senior MI6 officer, a daytime television presenter, and so much more. So there's a lot of great television to look forward to.

Here are 26 women with exciting new roles coming up...

Anjli Mohindra

Saviour, ITV

Anjli Mohindra, who you'll recognise from a plethora of shows such as Bodyguard, Vigil and The Red King, was recently announced as one of the three leads of ITV1's new legal thriller Saviour, alongside Shaun Parkes and Aidan Gillen.

She'll play criminal defence solicitor, Indy Sangar, who has just been promoted to Higher Rights of Audience in the Old Bailey, and has been called to represent Ben, played by Archie Fisher, who, after borrowing his dad’s police uniform for a costume party, gets into an altercation that results in a man’s death.

In defending Ben from an allegation of murder, Indy is confronted with a world of police corruption, complicated racial politics, fervent press interest, a frustratingly traditional justice system and a defendant who is keeping secrets from her.

But what she doesn’t know is that, whilst fighting tooth and nail for Ben’s freedom, deeply personal secrets of her own are finally coming to the surface and threatening to tear her career and her family apart.

Indy is also up against a formidable adversary in Detective Inspector Jon Creasy, played by Shaun Parkes. Determined to get to the truth, he won’t be swayed by Eddie, played by Aidan Gillen, his colleague and Ben’s father, who is ruthlessly intent on clearing his son’s name and will go to any lengths to protect him.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Lucky, Apple TV

Before The Queen's Gambit, Anya Taylor-Joy had starred in Atlantis, The Miniaturist and Peaky Blinders, and in July, she'll return to our screens as ruthless con artist Lucky, in Apple TV's new drama Lucky, which is based on Marissa Stapley's bestselling novel of the same name.

Lucky follows what happens when a multi-million-dollar heist goes sideways, and con artist Lucky is forced to go on the run. Pursued by both the FBI and a ruthless crime boss, Lucky must fight for her life and a way out.

Catherine Zeta-Jones

Kill Jackie, Prime Video

In 2017, Catherine Zeta-Jones returned to television with her first role in over 20 years, playing Olivia de Havilland in Ryan Murphy's Feud: Bette and Joan, and more recently she starred as Morticia Addams in Netflix's huge hit Wednesday, which will return for a third series.

For her latest role, in Prime Video's revenge thriller Kill Jackie, Catherine will play Jackie Price, who has been living a wealthy, luxurious existence for the last twenty years, travelling the world, selling fine art using sophisticated tax loopholes and, above all, trying to stay anonymous after escaping a dangerous past as an international drug smuggler.

But just as life starts to feel a little boring, it takes a sudden, lethal turn when she discovers The Seven Demons, a squad of the world’s most terrifying hitmen, have been hired to kill her.

Assuming someone from her past is behind it, Jackie unleashes her old instincts and embarks on a wild, dangerous game plan: to take down The Demons one by one before they kill her. However, she soon realises her own demons are much more terrifying than the ruthless killers on her trail…and her buried secrets ultimately lead her much closer to home, with surprising consequences.

Daisy Edgar-Jones

Mosquito, Disney+

Daisy Edgar-Jones rose to fame in 2020, thanks to her stunning performance in BBC Three's Normal People, opposite a then-unknown Paul Mescal, and her next leading role will be in Disney+'s new relationship comedy Mosquito, from Tony McNamara, opposite Nicholas Hoult.

They play Kate and Ed, a recently married couple whose secrets begin to reveal as daily life chips away at the personas they present…all started by an intrusive mosquito.

Daisy Haggard

Maya, Channel 4

30 years since making her television debut in The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, Daisy Haggard, who you'll recognise from many a hit comedy, including Episodes, Uncle, Breeders and Back to Life, is making her directorial debut in the coming months in Channel 4's new psychological thriller Maya, in which she'll also star in a leading role alongside Bella Ramsey.

In Maya, Daisy will play a determined and devoted single mum called Anna, who is forced into a witness protection programme to escape a life-threatening danger. Leaving their London lives and Anna’s parents, Nancy and George, behind, they take on new identities and relocate to a small rural town in Scotland.

As they try to adjust to their new reality, the trauma of their past continues to haunt them in the form of two hitmen, Benji and Ted, played by Ben Chaplin and Raphel Famotibe, who are intent on tracking them down.

As the walls close in, it becomes clear that a dangerous and calculating figure from their past, the seemingly charming Bobby, played by Tobias Menzies, is still a looming and very present threat.

Diane Morgan

Ann Droid, BBC One

Diane Morgan is one of our finest comedy actors, delivering scene stealing performances time and time again, whether that's as Philomena Cunk in Cunk on , Mandy Carter in Mandy, Kath in After Life or Liz in Motherland.

Her latest role, in the brilliantly titled Ann Droid (albeit a working title currently), which she has co-written with Sarah Kendall, will be as a social humanoid robot, created to keep elderly people company and monitor their health.

The six-part comedy takes place in 2029. Sue’s husband David passed away 18 months ago and her only son, Michael, played by Paul Ready, is moving out, again, to try and fix his marriage, again. But the good news is he’s got Sue, played by Sue Johnston, a surprise to help her live independently, a care provider with a difference.

The latest D500 social humanoid eldercare robot. Created to keep the ageing population company and monitor their health, taking the pressure off the ever-stretched NHS.

It’s Sue’s worst nightmare. An overly attentive, socially inept pain in the arse. But she soon works out she can use the droid to her benefit in settling scores and doing the things her son never gets round to. What develops is a buddy comedy between an older woman and her robot who isn’t quite as advanced socially as she is technically.

Erin Doherty

California Avenue, BBC One

2025 was a phenomenal year for Erin Doherty with breakout roles in Adolescence on Netflix and A Thousand Blows on Disney+, turning her into a household name and one of those actors who will draw you to a project because she's in it.

With a second series of A Thousand Blows already under her belt in 2026, Erin's next role is in Hugo Blick's new BBC One drama, California Avenue, in which she'll play Lela, who's on the run with her 11-year-old child.

They seek refuge in the hidden world of a canal-side 1970s caravan park, deep in the luscious English countryside. It's there that a fractured family will come together, with ghosts and demons firmly put to rest, and an unexpected love is forged.

She'll star opposite Bill Nighy and Helena Bonham Carter as Lela's parents, Jerry and Eddie.

Gemma Arterton

Secret Service, ITV1

Gemma Arterton is a brilliant actor with memorable performances in shows such as Inside No.9, Black Narcissus and Funny Women.

For her latest role, Gemma is playing senior MI6 officer Kate Henderson in ITV1's new espionage thriller, Secret Service, adapted from Tom Bradby's novel of the same name, which explores the world of espionage against the backdrop of escalating tensions between the UK and Russia.

Set against the harbour and winding backstreets of Valletta, Secret Service promises high-stakes drama and political intrigue, as a covert investigation uncovers evidence that a high-ranking UK politician may be working as a Russian asset.

With trust shattered and her career on the line, Kate must navigate the shifting sands of political loyalty, international threat, and personal sacrifice.

Helena Bonham Carter

California Avenue, BBC One

Helena Bonham Carter has appeared on our screens for over 40 years, with standout roles including Elizabeth Taylor in Burton & Taylor, Princess Margaret in The Crown and more recently Noelle Gordon in Nolly.

Already this year, Helena has starred in Agatha Christie's Seven Dials on Netflix, and her next role will be opposite Bill Nighy, Erin Doherty and Tom Burke in Hugo Blick's new BBC One drama, California Avenue.

Set in a secluded canal-side 1970s caravan park deep in the luscious English countryside, California Avenue follows what happens when its peace is irrevocably disrupted by the arrival of Lela and her 11-year-old child, both on the run, looking for refuge in this hidden world.

Helena will play Lela's mother, Eddie, as a fractured family comes together, with ghosts and demons firmly put to rest, and an unexpected love is forged.

Izuka Hoyle

Prisoner, Sky

Izuka Hoyle began her television career in BBC Three's Clique, back in 2018, and since then has been one of the most exciting new talents on television, with stellar performances in Boiling Point, Big Boys, The Responder and Ludwig.

This year, she takes on a leading role in Sky's new high-stakes action thriller Prisoner, playing Amber Todd, a young principled prison officer who must put her life in the hands of Tibor, a dangerous, high-value prisoner, played by Tahar Rahim, when their transport convoy is brutally ambushed.

As the sole survivors, Amber and Tibor are forced to go on the run and must work together to reach their destination alive and on time.

Throughout the journey, their relationship twists and turns, with the stakes escalating as the crime syndicate stops at nothing to track them down. Amber can trust no one. Least of all the killer she is handcuffed to. But as everything she holds dear hangs in the balance, she must confront an impossible question: what moral lines is she willing to cross?

Jenna Coleman

Number 10, Channel 4

Jenna Coleman made her television debut in 2005 as Jasmine Thomas on Emmerdale, where she appeared for four years. Since then, she's been a familiar face on our screens, whether that's in Waterloo Road, Doctor Who or countless TV dramas such as Victoria, The Cry and The Jetty.

For her next role, Jenna will star in Steven Moffat's new Channel 4 drama Number 10, playing Deputy Chief of Staff, alongside Rafe Spall as the Prime Minister and Katherine Kelly as Chief of Staff.

Number 10 is a show about the building and everyone inside. Not just the Prime Minister upstairs, but the conspiracy theorist who runs the cafe three floors below, the man who repairs the lift that never works, the madly ambitious ‘advisors’ fighting for office space in cupboards. Oh, and of course, the cat.

Jill Halfpenny

Number One Fan, 5

Jill Halfpenny made her television debut in 1989 as Nicola Dobson in the first four series of Byker Grove, and has remained a firm favourite on our screens ever since with memorable roles in long-running shows Coronation Street, EastEnders and Waterloo Road, as well as dramas In The Club, Humans and The Drowning, and even won Strictly Come Dancing in 2004.

Already in 2026, she has starred in two hit dramas: Girl Taken on Paramount+ and series two of After The Flood on ITV1. In her next role, Jill will star alongside Sally Lindsay in 5's new thriller, Number One Fan, set in the world of daytime television.

Jill plays Lucy, the nation’s sweetheart, BFF and presenter of ‘Lucy Live’, who tells it like it is with a big smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. She’s ambitious, hardworking and beneath it all, thoroughly ruthless.

One day, she is saved from an attack by a strange woman named Donna, played by Sally Lindsay, who claims to be her “number one fan”. But Lucy’s gratitude quickly sours when Donna’s fandom turns into a darker obsession that infiltrates Lucy’s career, family, and friends.

To her horror, Lucy comes to realise that Donna has a link to a hidden secret in her past which threatens to derail the career she has so carefully curated.

Jodie Whittaker

Dear England, BBC One

Jodie Whittaker is no stranger to a great television role, having played Beth Latimer in Broadchurch, Cath Hardacre/Alison 'Ally' Sutton in Trust Me, and of course, the Thirteenth Doctor in Doctor Who.

For her next role, Jodie will be playing Pippa Grange, the England men’s team psychologist, in James Graham's Dear England for BBC One, which follows Gareth Southgate and the England men’s football team.

With the worst team track record for penalties in the world when he takes over as manager, Gareth knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take England back to the promised land. The country that gave the world football has delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t the England team win at their own game?

Juno Temple

The Husbands, Apple TV

In just over 10 years, Juno Temple has really made her mark as an actor with stellar performances in shows such as Dirty John, Fargo and of course, Ted Lasso.

As well as returning to Ted Lasso as Keeley Jones this summer, Juno's newest role will be in Apple TV's new comedic drama The Husbands, which is based on Holly Gramazio's bestselling book.

In it, she'll play Lauren, who returns home to her flat in London late one night, and is greeted at the door by her husband, Michael. There’s only one problem. She’s never seen this man before in her life.

As Lauren tries to puzzle out how she could be married to someone she can’t remember meeting, Michael goes to the attic to change a lightbulb and abruptly disappears. In his place, a new husband emerges.

Realising that her attic is creating an infinite supply of husbands, Lauren confronts the question: If swapping lives is as easy as changing a lightbulb, how do you know you’ve taken the right path? When do you stop trying to do better and start actually living?

Katherine Kelly

Number 10, Channel 4

Following a six-year stint in Coronation Street playing Becky Granger/McDonald, Katherine Kelly has remained on our screens in a variety of roles that show off her versatility as an actor, from comedies Bloods, Ruby Speaking, and How Are You? It's Alan (Partridge), to hit dramas such as Mr Selfridge, Happy Valley and Liar.

For her next role, Katherine will star in Steven Moffat's new Channel 4 drama Number 10, playing Chief of Staff, alongside Rafe Spall as the Prime Minister and Jenna Coleman as Deputy Chief of Staff.

Number 10 is a show about the building and everyone inside. Not just the Prime Minister upstairs, but the conspiracy theorist who runs the cafe three floors below, the man who repairs the lift that never works, the madly ambitious ‘advisors’ fighting for office space in cupboards. Oh, and of course, the cat.

Katy Wix

Pigeon, Channel 4

No matter the size of the role, Katy Wix's talents shine through in every performance she gives, whether that's as Carole in Stath Lets Flats, Mary in Ghosts, most recently as Jules in Big Boys or her many other roles.

Katy's next role will be in Channel 4's new comedy Pigeon, which she wrote and created with Adam Drake. It's described as a family sitcom about the empty nest filling back up again. In it, Katy will play Kathryn, who, after failed dreams and rash life decisions, is forced to move from the big city of Chester back to South Wales and the family home she thought she’d escaped.

Waiting for her there is Mum Mandy, an attention-seeking dance teacher with a touch of suburban glamour, and younger sister Aubrey, a teenage boy trapped in an adult woman’s body.

Just up the road is her ex from her teenage years, Roy, a big, silly dog trapped in an adult man’s body, and her dad, Rhodri, who moved out years ago and only understands “women’s issues” when they’re put in language you’d use about a car.

Keeley Hawes

Falling, Channel 4

Keeley Hawes has been on our screens for over 35 years, with so many memorable roles throughout her career, including Zoe Reynolds in Spooks, Louisa Durrell in The Durrells and Julia Montague in Bodyguard.

Keeley's next role will be in Jack Thorne's first-ever love story, Falling, playing devoted nun Anna alongside Paapa Essiedu as Catholic priest David. Both are deeply committed to their work in the church and in their community, and neither expects to fall in love.

But when they do, both are forced to wrestle with what it means for them, their vows, and their relationship with God. Falling is a witty, moving, contemporary romantic drama that is as honest as it is full of heart.

Michaela Coel

First Day on Earth, BBC One

Sometimes an actor comes along so special that the anticipation for their next authored project comes long before anything has been confirmed/filmed. And that's certainly true of Michaela Coel, who won over the nation in E4 comedy Chewing Gum in 2015, and then again in 2020 in BBC One smash hit I May Destroy You.

Now, Michaela Coel is back with a brand new project for BBC One, titled First Day on Earth, in which she'll play British-Ghanaian novelist Henri, who is on the run. On the run from herself, her life, her partner, and that weird guy at her book talk.

When she ends up in Ghana, her ancestral homeland, she finds herself submerged in an altogether different world. Amidst new friends, fresh joy, and many different and nuanced relationships, Henri also finds secrets, lies, difficulty and denial, leading her to question everything about herself, her heritage and her family.

First Day on Earth will also star Thandiwe Newton, Maxine Peake, Danny Sapani and Ncuti Gatwa.

Michelle Keegan

The Blame, ITV1

Like many great actors before her, and indeed after her, Michelle Keegan made her television debut in Coronation Street in 2008, playing Tina McIntyre for six years. Since then, she has had many leading roles, including shows such as Our Girl, Brassic, and Fool Me Once.

For her next role, Michelle will be starring opposite Douglas Booth in ITV1's new crime thriller The Blame, playing DI Crane, who, together with DI Radley, is investigating what happened to teenage figure skater Sophie Madsen, whose body is discovered in the seemingly quiet town of Wakestead.

As they dig deeper, what starts as a tragic death spirals into a tangled web of lies, institutional cover-ups, and moral compromise. As the clock ticks and trust fractures, Crane must navigate both a murder investigation and the treacherous politics inside her own team.

Nicola Coughlan

I Am Helen, Channel 4

Since her breakout role in Derry Girls, Nicola Coughlan's career has gone from strength to strength with major roles in shows such as Harlots, Big Mood, and, of course, Bridgerton.

As well as a second series of Big Mood on the way soon, Nicola will lead the next instalment of Dominic Savage's hit female-led anthology series I Am, which is created in collaboration with its leading actor and authentically explores the personal experiences of women through provocative, emotionally raw storytelling.

Nicola will play Helen in I Am Helen, this time a two-part series, and she follows in the footsteps of those who have come before, Vicky McClure, Samantha Morton, Gemma Chan, Suranne Jones, Letitia Wright, Lesley Manville and Kate Winslet.

Nicola Walker

Alice and Steve, Disney+

Having spent over 30 years on our screens, Nicola Walker is one of the nation's favourite actors, with standout roles in Spooks, Last Tango in Halifax, The Split and Unforgotten. And that really is just to name a few.

Later this year, she'll be seen in Disney+'s new comedy Alice and Steve, in which she'll star as Alice, opposite Jemaine Clement, as lifelong friend Steve.

In the new comedy, they see their world implode when middle-aged Steve starts dating Alice’s twenty-six-year-old daughter Izzy, played by Yali Topol Margalith. Although both are no strangers to chaos and dubious decision-making, their once rock-solid friendship is turned upside down and tested to its limits, threatening their families, futures and everything in between.

Described as emotional, messy and hilariously absurd, Alice and Steve promises to be a sophisticated, will they, won’t they anti-romantic comedy. Will Alice forgive Steve? Will Steve and Izzy make a relationship work? Will Alice and Steve ever be able to be friends again?

Olivia Colman

Pride & Prejudice, Netflix

After just over 25 years on our screens, Olivia Colman has achieved national treasure status, and with great merit. No matter the genre, Olivia's versatility is to be admired, and she's able to deliver a performance that feels as effortless as her last.

When it comes to comedy, my favourite roles she's played include Sophie Champan in Peep Show, Alex Smallbone in Rev and Fleabag's Godmother in Fleabag. And for drama, her standout roles have to include playing DS Ellie Miller in Broadchurch, Angela Burr in The Night Manager and Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown.

For her next role, Olivia will be starring in Dolly Alderton's upcoming 6-part adaptation of Pride and Prejudice for Netflix, playing Mrs Bennet. The series promises to be a faithful, classic adaptation of Jane Austen's novel with Rufus Sewell starring as the beloved Mr Bennet.

Ritu Arya

The Split Up, BBC One

With great performances in many shows, including Humans, The Good Karma Hospital and The Umbrella Academy, Ritu Arya is ready for mainstream success, and her next role in BBC One's The Split spin-off could make it happen.

The Split Up is set in the charged world of Manchester’s high-net-worth divorce circuit, and centres on Kishan Law, a powerhouse British-South Asian family firm, and the go-to for the city’s elite.

Ritu leads as Aria Kishan, the fast-rising star of Kishan Law who is poised to step up and take the mantle from her father, Dhruv, played by Sanjeev Bhaskar. However, the death of her mother has cast a new light over these plans for Dhruv, who has begun to wonder if his daughter can, or should, take on this responsibility single-handedly.

Aria’s relationship is placed under scrutiny too, with the wedding to her long-term partner Neal, played by Danny Ashok, on the horizon, but with their personal and professional so entwined, it’s unclear if they can withstand any more pressure, a problem further compounded when a former secret flame, played by Dimitri Leonidas, arrives in Manchester unexpectedly.

Alongside her siblings Maya and Kav, played by Aysha Kala and Arian Nik, Aria must navigate the splits that divide family and those we love, and ask herself: Who should you live your life for?

Ruth Jones

The Other Bennet Sister, BBC One

Before she was loved by millions for playing Nessa in Gavin & Stacey, Ruth Jones starred in Fat Friends, where she met James Corden, and has been on our screens for almost 30 years with memorable roles in shows such as Nighty Night, Hattie and Stella.

Already this year, Ruth starred in Harlan Coben's Run Away and for her next role, she'll be starring opposite Richard E Grant in The Other Bennet Sister for BBC One, playing Mr and Mrs Bennet.

The story begins at Longbourn, the Bennet family home, where Mr and Mrs Bennet preside over a lively household of five unmarried daughters: Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. As society’s pressures mount, the Bennet sisters navigate the glittering yet precarious world of Regency England, where marriage is both aspiration and necessity.

While her sisters pursue romance and social triumph, Mary embarks on a very different path. Leaving Longbourn behind, she travels to London to live with her aunt and uncle, Mr and Mrs Gardiner, in their elegant home on Gracechurch Street. There, Mary begins a journey of self-discovery, stepping out of the shadows and into her own story.

Sally Lindsay

Number One Fan, 5

Before joining Coronation Street, Sally Lindsay had already appeared in Fat Friends, Phoenix Nights and The Royle Family, but it was playing Shelley Unwin in Corrie for five years that catapulted her into the much-loved actor she is today.

Since leaving Corrie, Sally has starred in many great shows, including comedies Mount Pleasant, Still Open All Hours and more, as well as many dramas, including Scott & Bailey, Cold Call and The Madame Blanc Mysteries, which is still going strong on 5.

In her next role, Sally will star alongside Jill Halfpenny in 5's new thriller, Number One Fan, set in the world of daytime television.

Sally plays Donna, an obsessed fan who appears as a mousey, non-threatening nobody, but one day steps in to save morning show presenter Lucy, played by Jill Halfpenny, from a horrific attack.

But Lucy’s gratitude quickly sours when Donna’s fandom turns into a darker obsession that infiltrates Lucy’s career, family, and friends. To her horror, she comes to realise that Donna has a link to a hidden secret in her past which threatens to derail the career she has so carefully curated.

Sheridan Smith

The Cage, BBC One

Sheridan Smith is one of the nation's most-loved actors, and it all began back in 1999 with one of her earliest television roles, playing Emma in The Royle Family, which opened up the doors for her to star in many comedies throughout her career, including Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Gavin & Stacey, and Benidorm.

Whilst a superb comedian actor, Sheridan really shines in a leading dramatic role, which she has proved time and time again, in dramas such as Mrs Biggs, Cilla, The Moorside, Four Lives and most recently, I Fought The Law.

For her latest role, Sheridan will play casino worker Leanne in Tony Schumacher's new high-stakes, high-energy crime drama for BBC One, The Cage, starring opposite Michael Socha as Matty.

As they discover that they are both robbing from the safe at the inner-city casino they work in, their lives are set on a collision course, with each other, the local gangster they're stealing from, and the police.