With a direct gaze that breaks the fourth wall, packed with irony and a sense of complicity we all wish we had the guts to embrace, the series Fleabag won over millions and forever changed how stories are told in television. Created by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the show began as a stage play and, in just two seasons, became a global phenomenon. The entire cast of Fleabag crafted characters so human that it feels like we still see them around. Now, it’s time to revisit this gallery and see where they are.
Yes, we’re still talking about me – Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Fleabag, the character, is a mix of self-sabotage, intelligence, and (almost) hidden vulnerability. In her mostly empty café, she dealt with loss, romantic attempts, and a family that pretended not to be as messed up as she was.
So many broken fourth walls, whispered confessions directed straight at us, and a frankness that both amused and hurt. That’s how Phoebe Waller-Bridge transformed Fleabag, a seemingly cynical figure, into one of the most human protagonists on television.
Breaking the rules… now in a new setting
Phoebe never stopped, but her new role is an even bolder leap: Jessica Curie in Rule Breakers (Rule Breakers, originally), a drama directed by Bill Guttentag. Alongside Nikohl Boosheri, Ali Fazal, and Mustapha Adidou, Phoebe joins a story inspired by the true events of Roya Mahboob, an Afghan teacher who defies norms and risks to teach robotics to high school girls.
The plot follows the creation of Afghanistan’s first all-female robotics team, which gains global attention by competing against international prodigies. Jessica Curie, played by Phoebe, is a key figure in this journey—someone who navigates diplomacy, encouragement, and strategic action (everything we love about her).
The film is about hope, resilience, and the power of education to break barriers. It’s also the perfect starting point for a conversation about women who changed the history of science and technology.
Between Fleabag and Breaking the Rules, Phoebe also co-wrote No Time to Die, starred in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and surprised fans by appearing in Harry Styles’ music video Treat People With Kindness—the same Harry Styles who starred in Dunkirk, working with Christopher Nolan, Don’t Worry Darling, and the adaptation of My Policeman.
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She’s not bad if she’s talented – Olivia Colman
In Fleabag, Olivia Colman played the controlling yet seemingly delicate stepmother. However, with a special talent for turning family gatherings into emotional battlegrounds. Her character, a narcissistic artist, hid manipulation behind friendly smiles, creating moments of tension that were delicious to watch.
Olivia was already respected before the series, but the success of Fleabag introduced her to new audiences. Soon after, she won an Oscar for The Favourite, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, and was nominated again for The Father, sharing intense scenes with Anthony Hopkins.
Her performance in The Lost Daughter, directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, reinforced her talent for portraying complex and contradictory characters. On TV, she shone as Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown, a role that required balancing pomp and vulnerability.
Hot Priest: responsible for 80% of my texts – Andrew Scott
The second season of Fleabag introduced the “Hot Priest,” and with him, Andrew Scott gained a legion of fans. His character brought a new energy to the series, with instant chemistry with Fleabag. He was a man torn between his faith and a desire he couldn’t ignore.
Andrew continued taking on intense roles after the series. He starred in All of Us Strangers, directed by Andrew Haigh, exploring love, grief, and reconciliation. He appeared in 1917, the war epic directed by Sam Mendes, and participated in Alice Through the Looking Glass.
On stage, he shined in Hamlet and Present Laughter, reaffirming his talent. Andrew is now one of the most versatile actors of his generation, alternating between intimate projects and big productions.
My dad was better at disappearing than talking – Bill Paterson
Fleabag’s father, played by Bill Paterson, was a sweet but emotionally distant man. Caught between two intense daughters and a domineering new partner, his character tried to avoid confrontations but ended up dragged into them.
After Fleabag, Bill appeared in Good Omens, the adaptation of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s work. In film, he was in The Witches, directed by Robert Zemeckis.
His voice is also a standout in documentaries and radio productions, solidifying a career that seamlessly transitions between genres and media.
Claire: more impeccable than happy – Sian Clifford
Claire, Fleabag’s sister, is a woman obsessed with control. Professionally successful but fragile, she’s stuck in an unhappy marriage and has a rollercoaster relationship with the protagonist.
Sian Clifford perfectly captured the balance between competitiveness and affection that defines real sisterhood. After the series, she won a BAFTA for Fleabag and starred in Quiz, a miniseries about the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? fraud scandal.
In film, she appeared in See How They Run, a comedy-mystery set in London’s theater scene. She also starred in Time, a critically acclaimed prison drama.
Rule number one: watch Breaking the Rules
Revisiting the cast and story of the series is a reminder of scenes that still make us laugh, hurt, and want to throw everything away.
If you’ve missed seeing Fleabag and Phoebe Waller-Bridge dominating the screen, Breaking the Rules is your next destination. The film is available for rent or purchase. It’s not just nostalgia—it’s the evolution of a talent that started in a messy café and now sits at the center of an international game.
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