Michael Socha makes a return to television screens in BBC’s latest drama, The Cage. The Derby-born actor takes on the role of Matty, a character deeply entangled in the world of gambling at a Liverpool casino. Sharing the screen with him is Sheridan Smith, who portrays Leanne, a single mother and casino employee.

The plot of The Cage revolves around Leanne’s discovery of illicit activities at The Envoy, where she works. She soon finds out that Matty, the casino’s manager, is also involved in the same shady dealings. Their paths collide, leading them into dangerous territory controlled by the ruthless owner of The Envoy, local gangster Gary, played by Barry Sloane.

Michael Socha is no stranger to television, having appeared in various shows such as Channel 4’s This Is England and the fantasy series Once Upon a Time in Wonderland. He also graced the screen in BBC’s Being Human and the popular series What It Feels Like for a Girl. Interestingly, acting talent runs in the family, as Michael is the elder brother of BAFTA-winning actress Lauren Socha, known for her role as Kelly Bailey in E4’s Misfits.

Lauren’s portrayal of Kelly earned her a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress, triumphing over renowned actresses like Jessie Wallace and Gillian Anderson. Beyond Misfits, she has showcased her acting prowess in Catastrophe and The Other One, where she played the character Cat. Lauren’s talent was evident early on, as she received a BAFTA nomination at the age of 19 for her role in The Unloved, directed by Samantha Morton.

Reflecting on his acting journey, Michael shared his struggles with performing in front of family members. He admitted feeling uncomfortable acting alongside his sister, Lauren, due to their non-acting background. Despite their shared profession, he found it challenging to maintain focus when they worked together on projects like The Unloved. The Cage is set to premiere on Sunday, 26th April on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.