All you need to know about the stars behind SAS Rogue Heroes episode 1

SAS Rogue Heroes airs on BBC One on Sundays and the historical drama is set in Cairo during the Second World War. The six-part series follows David Stirling (played by Connor Swindells) as he rallies a small group of the toughest, boldest and brightest soldiers together to form an undercover unit. Express.co.uk has all you need to know about who is in the cast of the first episode.Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Archibald David Stirling was a Scottish officer in the army who founded the SAS.He is played by Connor Swindells, a 26-year-old English actor and model, known for his role as Adam Groff in Sex Education.His career in acting came as somewhat of an accident as he saw an audition poster for a local play and his friend dared him to audition, which resulted in him getting the lead role.Speaking of his latest role in SAS Rogue Heroes, he said: “As the show goes on and the arcs continue there’s a real degrading process that happens with all of them physically and mentally.”They all become these desert pirates who live off the land and learn to read it very well. That’s shown in the make-up and the wonderful costumes that we have.”Paddy Mayne – Jack O’ConnellLieutenant Colonel Robert Blair “Paddy” Mayne was a British Army officer and rugby player who was a founding member of the SAS.He is played by Jack O’Connell, a 32-year-old English actor known for his role as James Cook in Skins.He has also starred in This Is England, Godless and Eden Lake.The star said he was excited to play Paddy in the latest historical drama, saying: “I would have to go back to when I first heard about Paddy Mayne.”For years there have been stories and scripts floating around about him, perhaps not so much focused on the unit as a whole.”But Paddy Mayne’s story is so cinema-worthy, so TV-worthy, that I was already aware of him through being sent scripts and hearing rumours about certain projects that never came into fruition. When this one came along, I was already geared to wanting to be involved.”Jock Lewes – Alfie AllenLieutenant John Steel “Jock” Lewes was a principal training officer for the SAS and he is known for inventing the Lewes Bomb.He is played by Alfie Allen, a 36-year-old English actor known for playing Theon Greyjoy in Game of Thrones.The star may also be recognised for his roles in John Wick and White House Farm.On what he found appealing about SAS Rogue Heroes, he said: “The fact that I get to play a real person is always something that gets me going as an actor.”Obviously there is a freedom to being able to just create your own character out of something totally fictional, but when you are playing a real-life character there is a framework to go from and a blueprint to work with.”READ MORE: Mike Tindall speaks out on getting Royal Family’s approval SAS Rogue Heroes: Alfie Allen and Connor Swindells (Image: BBC) SAS Rogue Heroes: Eve Mansour is played by Sofia Boutella (Image: BBC) SAS Rogue Heroes: The series is based on real-life heroes (Image: BBC)Dr Gamal is a doctor in Cairo and an ally of Stirling who is played by Amir El-Masry.Amir is a British-Egyptian actor known for his role in the film Limbo.Fans may also recognise him from Industry and Jack Ryan, and they will see him in the new series of The Crown as Mohamed Al-Fayed.Jim Almonds – Corin SilvaJim Almonds was a sergeant in the Guards Commandos who sailed for the Middle East in 1941 to become an SAS original.He is played by Corin Silva, a 29-year-old actor known for his roles in The Bay and The Big Marcelka.Maj Knox – Miles JuppMaj Knox is played by Miles Jupp, a 43-year-old actor, singer and comedian.Viewers may recognise him as Archie in the children’s series, Balamory, and he is also known for his role in The Thick of It.He began his career as a stand-up comedian before taking to the small screen.DON’T MISS… Jeremy Clarkson announces exciting update on Clarkson’s Farm [INSIGHT] SAS Rogue Heroes shares episode count for season based on true events [EXPLAINER] Meet the real SAS Rogue Heroes – The true story behind the drama [INSIGHT]  SAS Rogue Heroes: Jack O’Connell and Donal Finn (Image: BBC)The other guest stars in episode one are as follows:Snooker player – Ramzan MiahAustralian soldier – Michael ShelfordAustralian soldier – Joe CorrigallWounded Man – Julian MiletaWounded Man – Andrew MacNaughtonWounded Man – NG ReesDirector Tom Shankland said of what fans can expect: “Within the series there is some history – the events by and large did happen – so it is the origin story of the SAS at its simplest. “But I like to think that our approach to it is really a celebration of the spirit of those guys back in 1941.”The trials and tribulations, what it took of them, what it did to them, how it changed them.”And also their amazing triumphs that they managed to achieve by devising a completely new way of doing things. I think that is what it makes it exciting.”SAS Rogue Heroes airs on BBC One on Sunday at 9pm.