Leann O'Kasi

Leann O'Kasi is an actress and writer of dual Nigerian-Irish heritage. She was born in Dublin and grew up in East London from the age of 5. She has appeared in episode 1 of the second series of ITV drama Innocent starring Katherine Kelly, Shaun Dooley and Jamie Bamber. She played Ms Martens in an episode of the BAFTA winning BBC sitcom Rab. C Nesbitt alongside actor Gregor Fisher with a cameo by singer Susan Boyle. Leann wrote, co-produced and starred in BFI Network funded short film Just Passing starring alongside BAFTA Nominated actor Cyril Nri. The film was nominated for the 2023 Iris Prize Best British short film supported by Film4, was broadcast on and available to stream on Channel 4 for a year. Leann was awarded Best Screenwriting for Just Passing at the 2025 Diversity in Cannes showcase sponsored by Academy award-winner Viola Davis. Her first screen role was appearing as Laila, the female lead in writer Raisah Ahmed's Creative Scotland short film, Last Order also starring Gangs of New York actor Gary Lewis. The film premiered at the Glasgow Short Film Festival, culminating in a showcase screening at BAFTA London.