The Vanishings, a six-part crime drama based on true stories from Ireland's infamous Vanishing Triangle, is set to air on Channel 5 soon. The term 'Vanishing Triangle' was coined by the Irish media to refer to a series of high-profile disappearances of Irish women in the late 80s and 90s, cases that remain unsolved to this day.
A number of women were also murdered within this eastern part of Ireland, leading police to suspect a serial killer due to case similarities. The victims, ranging from late teens to late 30s, all vanished without any clear reason.
Despite the establishment of Operation Trace by the police to gather information, no significant evidence has ever been found. The Channel 5 series features India Mullen as Lisa Wallace, an investigative journalist probing into her mother's death.
She teams up with detective David Burkely when a killer re-emerges. Here's what you need to know about the cast.
Lisa Wallace - India MullenLisa Wallace is played by India Mullen, a 31 year old Irish actress recognised for her roles in Red Rock, Normal People, and Brassic. She made her TV debut in the comedy show Damo and Ivor and has also appeared in numerous theatre productions.
Besides acting, Mullen harbours a passion for photography.
David Burkely - Allen LeechDavid Burkely is portrayed by Allen Leech, a 43 year old Irish actor celebrated for his performances in Downton Abbey and Bohemian Rhapsody. His acting career kicked off with the 1998 production of A Streetcar Named Desire, and he landed his first significant film role as Vincent Cusack in Cowboys & Angels.
He's married to actress Jessica Blair Herman, and their wedding was attended by his co-stars from Downton Abbey and Bohemian Rhapsody. The couple are proud parents to two daughters.
Gareth Brennan - Aaron MonaghanGareth Brennan is brought to life by Aaron Monaghan, a 44 year old Irish actor and director recognised for his work in The Banshees of Inisherin and Assassin's Creed. He's married to actor and writer Clare Monnelly, and they share a daughter.
Susan Reynolds - Laoise SweeneySusan Reynolds is played by Laoise Sweeney, known for her roles in Vikings Valhalla and Dead Canny. Recently, Laoise has been working with LAMDA Exams, developing new Performance Qualifications, and she currently holds the position of Interim Lead Practitioner of the Short Courses.
Barbara Adams - Derbhle CrottyBarbara Adams is portrayed by Derbhle Crotty, a 57 year old Irish actress renowned for her work with the Abbey Theatre. Her TV and film credits include Notes on a Scandal, Stella Days and Masterpiece.
DCS Gill - Philip O'SullivanDCS Gill is portrayed by Philip O'Sullivan, an Irish actor recognised for his work with the Abbey Theatre and appearances in TV hits like Game of Thrones, Vikings and The Tudors. He's happily married to Sandra Ellis and they share a daughter named Jeanne-Marie.
A resident of Glasthule, County Dublin, O'Sullivan enjoys walking, politics and history.
Amy Reynolds - Gráinne GoodAmy Reynolds is brought to life by Gráinne Good, an Irish TV and theatre actress known for her roles in Citadel and Dance First. She also has credits in Another Day and The Other Lamb.
Mark Bulger - Brian MooreMark Bulger is played by Brian Moore, who recently appeared in an episode of Bad Sisters but is most recognised for his performances in Fair City and Sucking Diesel.
Mandy Clarke - Jana MohiedenMandy Clarke is portrayed by Jana Mohieden, a relative newcomer to the TV scene who has previously starred in Faithless and Dark Lies in the Island.
Tommy Stephens - Adam John RichardsonTommy Stephens is played by Adam John Richardson, known for his roles in Vikings: Valhalla and Intruder. One of his most significant roles was in The Dry, which led him to come out as gay to his father.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, he expressed his appreciation for playing a masculine gay man, a portrayal he felt was lacking on Irish TV. He said: "I think it’s great that it’s being televised unapologetically. I feel it could help a lot of people delve in. I think every family keeps secrets to protect themselves. This show may offer a new perspective on that, that we all do have problems so stop burying them and hiding them."
Chris Wallace - Stuart DunneChris Wallace is portrayed by Stuart Dunne, an Irish actor and artist recognised for his role as Billy Meehan in Fair City. He's married to Geraldine, who also happens to be his agent, and they welcomed their son Neil in 1991.
Dunne, a self-taught artist, has even showcased his work on The Late Late Show on RTÉ One.
Ger Gough - Stephen HoganStephen Hogan, a 59 year old Irish actor and audiobook narrator, plays Ger Gough. Initially studying architecture at Edinburgh University, he switched gears to pursue drama.
His TV credits include Ridley Road, Primeval, The Tudors and Fair City.
The recurring cast features Maura Foley as Janice Wallace, Jason Daly as Jimmy, Kiera Crawford as Rachel Burkely, Fionnuala Murphy as Francis Reynolds, Sarah Carroll as Mary Burkely, and Peter Corboy as Liam Benson.
The Vanishings will air on Channel 5 on February 6 at 9pm.