Aoife Hinds and Billy Howle to lead BBC’s 'The Ministry of Time'

Aoife Hinds and Billy Howle have been cast as the leads of The Ministry of Time, a new BBC and A24 drama series based on Kaliane Bradley’s bestselling debut novel.

Hinds, known for Dune: Prophecy and Normal People, will portray Sophy, while Howle, whose credits include The Perfect Couple and Under the Banner of Heaven, will play Commander Graham Gore. Production is set to begin in and around London, with additional casting expected to be announced later.

The six-part series is being produced by A24 and will feature international co-production partners including Amediateka, Australia’s Binge, Canada’s Crave and Germany’s ZDF. A24 will handle international distribution.

The Ministry of Time follows Sophy, a civil servant who earns a major promotion before discovering that her new assignment involves a secret government programme focused on time travel.

As part of the programme, the newly established Ministry of Time brings people from different periods in history, known as “expats,” into the present day to determine whether time travel can work. Sophy is assigned to help Commander Gore, a Victorian-era polar explorer, adjust to life in the modern world.

Their professional relationship gradually develops into a forbidden romance. However, their growing connection places them in danger as Sophy begins uncovering the Ministry’s darker intentions.

Alice Birch adapted Kaliane Bradley’s novel for television and serves as an executive producer alongside Aneil Karia and Jo McClellan for the BBC. Frances du Pille is producing the series.

BBC Director of Drama Lindsay Salt praised Hinds and Howle as the leads, highlighting the series’ distinctive genre and central relationship. The Ministry of Time adaptation is expected to blend science fiction, romance, historical drama and political intrigue.