Tom Cullen’s life including acting career and family as he stars in Channel 4’s Trespasses
The Downton Abbey actor has been cast in new drama Trespasses – here’s what we know about the Welsh star’s famous partner, life off-screen and dazzling career
12:14, 10 Nov 2025
Tom Cullen is starring in Channel 4’s brand new drama Trespasses alongside Lola Petticrew and Gillian Anderson. The series, which is based on Louise Kennedy’s book, has been hailed “one of the best novel adaptations,” by viewers since it start on Sunday, November 9.
Trespasses is a forbidden love story, set against the backdrop of the Troubles and sees Tom, who is known for Downton Abbey and The Gold, star as Michael, a barrister who falls in love with Cushla, played by Lola.
Tom said it was the “script and the characters,” that attracted him to the role. On why people should watch Trespasses, he added: “To put it simply, because it’s bloody great! I’m incredibly proud of it. A powerful, emotional love story about defiance and what it means to live in the face of adversity.”
Tom Cullen in Trespasses(Image: Channel 4)
But what else has Tom starred in, what are his upcoming projects and what is his life like off-screen? Here’s everything you need to know about the Welsh actor.
How old is Tom Cullen?
Tom is a 40-year-old actor and director from Wales.
What shows has Tom starred in?
Tom rose to fame after he starred in Andrew Haigh’s The Weekend in 2011, for which he went on to win the British Independent Film Award for Best Newcomer.
Since then Tom has had notable roles in a number of television series, including Black Mirror, Downton Abbey, as Anthony Gillingham, The Five, Knightfall and Becoming Elizabeth, which saw him play Thomas Seymour.
More recently Tom has starred in Insomnia, opposite Vicky McClure, Ar y Ffin, and The Gold as John Palmer. He is currently starring in Channel 4’s Tresspasses and is set to appear in ITV’s new drama, The Party, opposite fellow Welsh actor Luke Evans and House of the Dragon in 2026.
Tom also wrote and directed the 2019 film Pink Wall, which was filmed in the Elan Valley in Powys.
Michael Agnew (Tom Cullen) and Cushla Lavery (Lola Petticrew) in Trespasses(Image: Channel 4)
Tom Cullen’s family life
Tom has two children with his with his partner, actress and musician Alison Sudol, who is known for her role as Queenie Goldstein in the Fantastic Beasts series.
Throwing support behind Tom as Trespasses launched, Alison wrote on Instagram: “So proud of this brilliant, kind, loving human whose extraordinary soul shines through those delicious crinkly eyes in everything he does lighting up the screen bringing the love with every fiber of his beautiful heart. Watch Trespasses tonight on Channel 4.” She added: “Lola Petticrew and Gillian Anderson absolutely stunning performances.”
First look images of Trespasses on Channel 4(Image: Channel 4)
Opening up to Radio Times magazine about juggling family life and his career in August 2025, Tom told the publication: “Before, I could film in Jordan or live in Prague for a year, and that was really exciting, but the focus shifts. It’s about making choices for my family now.
“I’m about to shoot a film in North Wales and they’re coming with me. I love being a father. It’s the most important part of my life – I don’t want to miss a second!”
Trespasses continues tonight at 9pm on Channel 4.
