5 best cameos from Netflix’s Missing You
Missing You is a Netflix series adapted from Harlan Coben's novel, with Coben serving as executive producer. Released on January 1, 2025, the five-part series shifts the story from New York to Manchester.
It follows Detective Kat Donovan (Rosalind Eleazar) as she revisits the mystery of her father Clint's (Lenny Henry) murder after discovering her ex-fiancé Josh (Ashley Walters) on a dating app.
Though Kat believed Josh ghosted her 11 years ago on the night her father was allegedly killed by criminal Monte Leburne (Marc Warren), she begins to uncover deeper connections between the two events.
Following the viral success of last year's Fool Me Once, Missing You has quickly soared to number two on Netflix's most-watched charts, surpassed only by the new season of Squid Game, cementing its place as a must-watch thriller in 2025.
In addition to its storyline, the series includes a variety of fascinating cameos—some understated, others more prominent—that have sparked excitement among viewers.
Here is a list of five best cameos from Netflix’s Missing You.
Disclaimer: The following list is ranked in no particular order, and the opinions expressed belong solely to the author.
Matt Willis, Harlan Coben, and other cameos from Netflix’s Missing You
1) GK Barry
GK Barry, known for the Saving Grace podcast, makes a cameo in Missing You. Credited under her real name, Grace Keeling, she plays Vanessa—a character disclosed to be a foot cam girl whose photo is stolen and used in a catfishing scheme.
Barry debuted on television in 2024 on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and started appearing on Loose Women as a panelist.
2) Matt Willis
Matt Willis, former King of the Jungle and Busted (band) singer, makes a cameo as Darryl in the highly anticipated thriller.
In December 2006, Willis triumphed in the sixth series of the ITV reality show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!. He also co-hosted the ITV2 spin-off series with his wife Emma in 2007 and 2008.
Although his appearance is brief, it left a lasting impression on fans, especially when his character delivers a line that seems to nod to Busted’s 2003 hit Air Hostess.
Fans quickly took notice and shared their reactions on X:
"Obsessed that the opening scenes of Missing You on netflix has Matt Willis of Busted playing a character on a date with an air hostess," wrote a fan on X.
Another fan added:
"Started watching missing you on Netflix and up pops Matt Willis as a cameo didn’t even know, what a lovely surprise."
3) Sir Lenny Henry
DS Clint Donovan is a respected detective, devoted father, and loving husband until his life is cut short in a professional hit 11 years ago. Although the killer is eventually caught, they never disclose who ordered the assassination, driving Kat into a deep and relentless search for the truth.
Sir Lenny Henry, a well-known comedian and performer in the UK, plays Clint in Missing You. Henry, who co-founded Comic Relief and is well-known for his work on The Lenny Henry Show, has recently starred in films like The Witcher: Blood Origin, The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
4) Harlan Coben
Missing You author Harlan Coben makes a subtle cameo in the Netflix adaptation. The brief appearance occurs during the opening titles, offering a subtle nod to the creator of the story.
As missing posters flash across the screen, viewers can catch a glimpse of Coben’s headshot on the left side of the sequence. Additionally, Missing You screenwriter Victoria Asare Archer also makes a quick appearance, slightly blurred in the center.
5) Mary Malone
Aqua Vanech, played by Mary Malone, is instrumental in Kat and Josh’s initial connection, as she shares a close friendship and living space with Josh. His sudden disappearance leaves Aqua with unanswered questions and entangles her in Kat’s investigation, forcing her to confront long-buried secrets from the past.
Mary is an up-and-coming trans actress from the UK. Malone was recently featured in the 2023 Doctor Who Christmas Special, where she portrayed Trudy, a friend of Ruby. She brings depth to the character, drawing from her experience in productions such as Doctor Who, Vera, Chivalry, and The Prince.
Additional details about Missing You
According to a January 3 Radio Times article, Missing You screenwriter Archer shared details about adapting the story, which features a cast that includes Slow Horses star Rosalind Eleazar, Top Boy's Ashley Walters, and comedian Lenny Henry—though in roles that might surprise audiences.
"We were fortunate that many of the cast members were open to stepping out of their comfort zones to take on roles that will likely surprise and surprise the audience," she said.
Archer continued,
"In fact, this allows us to see the actors in entirely new roles and with different personas. It’s showcasing sides of them that make you wonder, 'Why hasn't Ashley Walters been in a romantic series before?' – that's the intention."
Viewers can stream all episodes of Missing You on Netflix.
