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Emma Laird debuts in BBC’s Mint tonight with a visually stunning crime romance that’s already generating major buzz. The eight-part series premieres at 9pm BST on BBC One, with all episodes dropping on BBC iPlayer immediately. Directed by Charlotte Regan in her TV debut, this Glasgow-set drama blends forbidden love with family secrets.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Premiere Date: April 20, 2026 at 9pm on BBC One
- Platform: BBC iPlayer with all 8 episodes available today
- Lead Cast: Emma Laird as Shannon, Sam Riley as Dylan, Laura Fraser as Cat
- Creator: Charlotte Regan, making her TV directorial debut
Emma Laird Transforms as Crime Family’s Romantic Daughter
Emma Laird plays Shannon, the naively romantic daughter of a powerful Glasgow crime family. Known for her role in Paramount+’s Mayor of Kingstown, Laird delivers a radiant performance capturing Shannon’s desperate search for love amidst dangerous family obligations. The character represents the show’s emotional heart.
Shannon meets Arran, played by Ben Coyle-Larner (musician Loyle Carner), a member of a rival gang. Their forbidden romance becomes the story’s central force, blending Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet themes with contemporary crime drama aesthetics.
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Emma Laird debuts in BBC’s Mint, visually stunning crime romance now airing
A Crime Drama Focused on Love, Not Violence
Writer-director Charlotte Regan reimagines the crime genre by prioritizing emotion over brutality. She told the BBC her vision was clear: “I just wanted to make a gangster romance.” The show uses magical realism and surreal visual moments instead of traditional gangland violence.
Rather than focusing on fight scenes, Mint employs home movie-style flashbacks, poetic clash scenes with theatrical flair, and dreamlike sequences including a memorable flying scene. This approach creates an intimate, character-driven narrative about loss and belonging within organized crime.
Powerhouse Supporting Cast Elevates Every Scene
Sam Riley portrays Dylan, Shannon’s father and crime family patriarch, while Laura Fraser plays Cat, Shannon’s mother dealing with a crumbling marriage. Legendary actress Lindsay Duncan steals scenes as Ollie, the sexually liberated and sharp-tongued grandmother offering unexpected wisdom.
| Character | Actor | Role |
| Shannon | Emma Laird | Crime family daughter, romantic lead |
| Dylan | Sam Riley | Shannon’s father, family patriarch |
| Arran | Ben Coyle-Larner | Rival family member, Shannon’s love interest |
| Ollie | Lindsay Duncan | Family matriarch grandmother |
“It’s very much about the three women’s love stories, whether that’s romantic love stories or love stories amongst the family.”
— Charlotte Regan, Creator and Director
Visually Dazzling Drama With a 7.1 IMDb Rating
Critics praise Mint’s exquisite visual execution, with reviewers noting its poetic cinematography and surreal aesthetic. The show balances emotional storytelling with striking production design that elevates typical crime drama conventions. Early audience reviews on IMDb rate the series at 7.1 out of 10.
The eight-episode arc tells interconnected stories of love and sacrifice within a world where family loyalty clashes with personal desire. Each episode reveals deeper layers of Shannon, Arran, Cat, and Dylan’s journeys, building toward consequences nobody anticipated.
Will Emma Laird’s Mint Capture Your Heart Tonight?
With Charlotte Regan’s directorial debut attracting critical acclaim and Emma Laird’s breakout performance anchoring every frame, Mint arrives as the BBC’s most visually ambitious crime drama in years. All eight episodes drop immediately on BBC iPlayer at 6am, perfect for binge-watching this weekend.
Whether you’re drawn to forbidden romance, crime family drama, or simply stunning cinematography, Mint offers something fresh and genuinely moving. The chemistry between Laird and Coyle-Larner, combined with powerhouse supporting performances, creates an experience worth your evening.
Watch the Official Trailer
Sources
- Harper’s BAZAAR UK – Emma Laird’s debut role and series overview
- Digital Spy – Critical review and character analysis
- BBC Official – Creator interview and plot synopsis
