Lovejoy features a strong roster of actors, and you feel a sense of real camaraderie between them which adds to the show’s charm. As the series developed, viewers can spot cameos from well-known actors including Joanna Lumley and Richard Griffiths.
| Actor | Character | Notes |
| Ian Mcshane | Lovejoy | The title role, the antiques dealer. |
| Dudley Sutton | Tinker Dill | Loyal friend and wingman. |
| Phyllis Logan | Lady Jane Felsham | Sophisticated and flirtatious partner-in-crime to Lovejoy (Series 1-5, guest Series 6). |
| Chris Jury | Eric Catchpole | Younger assistant (Series 1-5; guest Series 6). |
| Malcolm Tierney | Charlie Gimbert | Lovejoy’s rival who owns the local auction house (Series 1, 4-5). |
| Caroline Langrishe | Charlotte Cavendish | Auctioneer and Lovejoy’s love-interest, introduced Series 5-6. |
| Diane Parish | Beth Taylor | Lovejoy’s new apprentice in Series 5-6 after Eric’s departure. |
| Denys Graham | Bigelow | Recurring character in Series 1. |
Key Characters and Actor Biographies
1. Ian McShane as Lovejoy
After Lovejoy, McShane went on to a distinguished career, with major roles in television and film (including the John Wick franchise). He starred as Al Swearengen in Deadwood (2004‐2006) and its film spinoff, and more recently as Mr. Wednesday in American Gods (2017-2021). According to an interview, his decision to end Lovejoy was partly because he felt he “had enough” of playing the part – so the show wasn’t cancelled in the usual way.
2. Phyllis Logan as Lady Jane Felsham
Since Lovejoy, Logan has continued to flourish. Most notably, she played Mrs Hughes (later Mrs Carson) in the hit period drama Downton Abbey (2010-2015), and recent film finale. She also won the BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Actress – Television for her role in the series Guilt (2021).
3. Dudley Sutton as Tinker Dill
A noted stage actor in his earlier career, after Lovejoy, Sutton continued to act in film, television and theatre. He remained active well into later years with roles and cameos in Emmerdale, Skins and the Football Factory film. He died on 15 September 2018 at age 85.
4. Chris Jury as Eric Catchpole
Having made his name in Lovejoy, Jury was a contender to play the Seventh Doctor in Doctor Who in 1987, a role ultimately cast with Sylvester McCoy. Jury later appeared as a guest star in the series. He then became a screenwriter and director in television and recently returned to the professional stage as Vladimir in Waiting for Godot.
The Lovejoy Lounge 