The wait is almost over for the psychological drama. Premiering globally on 8 January 2026, the Paramount+ original series ‘Girl Taken’ is based on Hollie Overton’s best-selling novel Baby Doll.
The six-part drama follows the devastating aftermath of Lily Riser’s abduction and her shock return five years later. As the family attempts to rebuild, they realize that while Lily has escaped her prison, the “monster” who took her is still determined to control the narrative.
Before you dive into the premiere, here is your ‘Who is Who’ guide to the residents of this quiet English town.
Tallulah Evans – Lily Riser
Lily was a regular 17-year-old – popular, but a bit of a homebody – deeply in love with her boyfriend Wes and looking forward to a bright future; until she was kidnapped by her teacher Rick Hansen. He held her captive for 5 years slowly twisting her to comply with his every demand. One day Lily seized her chance to escape. No longer a captive, can she ever truly be free?
Delphi Evans – Abby Riser
Lily’s identical twin sister. Never as popular as Lily but bright, intelligent, and fixated on going to university and getting out of the small town she grew up in. That is until Lily’s disappearance left Abby’s plans for her future in tatters, and she spends years acting out as she struggled to deal with the guilt and trauma of losing her sister.
Jill Halfpenny – Eve Riser
Lily and Abby’s mother. Eve suffered the worst pain imaginable when her daughter disappeared without trace, and she has spent the last five years seeking answers to what happened. But when Lily reappears, she realises their reunion is not as plain sailing as she had hoped it would be, as she learns to come to terms with Lily’s trauma.
Alfie Allen – Rick Hansen
The cool, beloved teacher at Lily and Abby’s school. A pillar of strength for his students and the local community. But this is all just a well-worn mask. He’s really a sadistic monster who kidnapped Lily, and a master manipulator who will stop at nothing to derail the course of justice and maintain his freedom.
Niamh Walsh – Zoe Hansen
Zoe, Rick’s fiercely devoted wife, senses that something about her husband isn’t right – but she can’t yet uncover what he’s hiding. As she shoulders the weight of raising their four-year-old daughter largely on her own, Rick’s growing absence casts a long shadow over their home. Struggling to hold herself together, Zoe sinks into quiet despair, determined to shield her child from the darkness that seems to lurk within the household.
Holly Atkins – Melanie
A no-nonsense, domineering prison guard who takes great pleasure in exerting power over the prison inmates.
Vikash Bhai – DS. Tommy Shah
A Detective Sergeant who worked on the investigation into Lily’s disappearance, which led him to Eve, but their relationship never stood a chance as he carried a heavy sense of guilt for never being able to bring Eve closure. When Lily returns, he’s more determined than ever to get justice for Lily and her family and to finally give his and Eve’s relationship a real go.
Victoria Ekanoye – DS. Rachel Brenton
A resourceful and assertive Detective Constable who is working side-by-side with DS Tommy Shah investigating Lily’s disappearance.
Levi Brown – Wes Bartlett
Lily’s high school boyfriend. After Lily’s disappearance, he sought closeness in Abby, finding they had more in common than they thought. They begin a relationship, and Wes is determined to stop Abby self-destructing.