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Former SNP MP Mhairi Black Cast as Detective in BBC Legal Drama Counsels

Filming in Glasgow begins next week, with Black set for four of the eight episodes.

Overview

  • Black will play Detective Inspector Bridges in her first television acting role, with the series to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
  • Production is scheduled to start in Glasgow next week under co-creators Bryan Elsley and Gillian McCormack, with support from Screen Scotland.
  • Counsels centers on young Glasgow lawyers and features an ensemble led by Brandon Grace, Ro Kumar, Eilidh Park, George Prentice, Alyth Ross and Rebecca Bell.
  • Black stepped down from Westminster at the 2024 general election after nearly a decade as an MP and left SNP membership in July 2025.
  • Public reaction to her casting has been mixed, including criticism over opportunities for working actors and defenses of her move into acting.