Ever feel like you’ve missed a hidden gem because a bigger, flashier show stole the spotlight? That’s basically the story of the William and Mary cast. Before Martin Clunes became the world’s most famously grumpy GP in Doc Martin, he was William Shawcross—a lonely undertaker with a heart of gold.
It’s a weird premise. Honestly, on paper, a romance between an undertaker and a midwife sounds like the setup for a dark joke. But the chemistry between Clunes and Julie Graham turned this ITV drama into something incredibly special.
Looking back from 2026, it’s wild to see how many future stars were packed into this cast. We’re talking about a show that featured a young Michael Fassbender and a pre-stardom Miranda Hart.
The Core Duo: Martin Clunes and Julie Graham
At the center of it all, you have William and Mary.
Martin Clunes played William Shawcross. He’s a widower, he’s sensitive, and he runs a funeral parlor. If you only know Clunes as the abrasive Dr. Martin Ellingham, seeing him here is a shock. He’s gentle. He’s vulnerable. He’s actually quite charming in a dorky, "I just want to find love" kind of way. He was raising two daughters, Kate and Julia, while trying to navigate the dating world via a high-end (and slightly dodgy) matchmaking agency.
Then there’s Julie Graham as Mary Gilcrest.
Mary is the fire to William’s water. She’s a fiercely independent Scottish midwife living in London with her two sons and a mother who refuses to move out. Graham brings this raw, kinetic energy to the role. She’s skeptical of romance, overworked, and utterly relatable.
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The magic happened because Clunes and Graham had worked together before on Dirty Tricks in 2000. They already had a rhythm. When they were filming the later seasons, Julie Graham was actually pregnant in real life. The writers didn't hide it; they worked it into the script. Clunes has mentioned in interviews that they’d both end up in tears on set because the emotions felt so real.
The Supporting William and Mary Cast You Forgot
The show wasn't just about the leads. The "found family" and the real family dynamics were what gave the series its legs.
- Cheryl Campbell was a force of nature as Molly Gilcrest, Mary’s manipulative but somehow lovable mother. She spent most of the series trying to push Mary back into the arms of her ex, Rick.
- Michael Begley played Rick Straud. He was the classic "lovable loser" ex-boyfriend. He wasn't a bad guy, just deeply irresponsible, which made the contrast with William’s stability even sharper.
- Dominick Baron and Ricci McLeod played Mary’s sons, Terence and Brendan. Their biracial heritage was handled with a refreshing lack of fanfare—they were just two kids navigating a messy family life.
- Peta Cornish and Georgina Terry played William’s daughters. Kate (Cornish) was the rebellious teen, and Julia (Terry) was the younger sister still grieving her mother’s death.
Surprising Faces in the Background
If you rewatch the series today, you’ll spot some major "Wait, is that...?" moments.
Michael Fassbender appeared in the first season as Lukasz. This was years before X-Men or 300. He was just another working actor in the UK TV circuit.
Then you have Miranda Hart. Before she was a household name with her own sitcom, she appeared as Penelope. Even then, her comedic timing was impossible to ignore. Paterson Joseph, a veteran of British TV (and Peep Show legend), also popped up as Reuben.
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Why the Show Still Works
Most romantic dramedies from the early 2000s feel dated. They’re either too saccharine or too cynical. William and Mary found a middle ground. It dealt with death (William’s job) and birth (Mary’s job) with equal weight.
The show ran for three series between 2003 and 2005. It didn't overstay its welcome. By the time it ended, it had told a complete story about two people with heavy baggage finally finding a way to carry it together.
The locations helped too. It was filmed in London, but not the "tourist" London. It felt lived-in. Gritty, but warm.
What the Cast Did Next
It’s pretty clear where Martin Clunes went. He transitioned almost immediately into Doc Martin, which ran for nearly two decades. He became an ITV staple, doing travelogues and documentaries about dogs and horses.
Julie Graham’s career has been just as prolific. She’s been in everything from Shetland to Benidorm and The Bletchley Circle. She’s one of those actors who makes everything she's in better just by showing up.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're looking to revisit the show or dive in for the first time, here’s how to do it:
- Check the Streaming Services: In 2026, the show often rotates through platforms like BritBox or Acorn TV. It’s also frequently available for free (with ads) on the ITVX app if you're in the UK.
- Look for the DVD Collection: Because of music licensing issues, sometimes digital versions have replaced soundtracks. The original DVD box sets usually preserve the "feel" of the original broadcast.
- Watch for the Chemistry: Pay attention to the scenes in the kitchen or the car. Those "quiet" moments between Clunes and Graham are where the best acting happens.
The William and Mary cast created a world that felt authentic. It wasn't about glamour; it was about the messy reality of starting over in your 40s. Whether you're a fan of Clunes' later work or just love a good British drama, this series remains a high-water mark for mid-2000s television.
To truly appreciate the evolution of the cast, try watching an episode of William and Mary back-to-back with an early episode of Doc Martin. The transformation in Clunes' performance style—from the warmth of William Shawcross to the rigidity of Martin Ellingham—is a masterclass in character acting.