Ridley season 2 sees Adrian Dunbar finally return as retired cop turned police consultant Alex Ridley. Yes, it's been nearly three years since the first series aired to great reviews.
Ridley resumes his partnership with former protégée DI Carol Framan (played by Unforgotten's Bronagh Waugh), who is now in charge of investigations.
Joining the cast is Taggart legend John Michie, who’s just been seen in Karen Pirie season 2. He plays debonair jeweller Harry, whom Ridley vies with for Anne’s (Shetland’s Julie Graham) attention.
Talking about returning for season 2, Adrian tells us: "Coming back was a wonderful experience, because the first series was really well-received. When you get a second series, there’s a good buzz.
"Plus, of course, you’re getting an opportunity to move a character on. Ridley’s obviously never going to get away from his past, but life must go on, so there have to be some subtle changes in him. I think an audience has to see progression."
We asked Adrian if putting on Alex Ridley’s signature jacket helped him get back into character. He replied: "Yes, the jacket helps me a lot. Finding an iconic piece of costume was something we thought about, and we thought this old, beaten-up jacket would bring a bit of characterisation to the drama. If you look back at some of the TV shows from the 1970s and 1980s, several characters had similar items associated with them."
Can the second season live up to the first, which is one of ITV's best dramas of recent times? Here's hoping so...
Ridley season 2
Ridley will return for a second season on Sunday, August 10, at 8 pm on ITV1. The new series is four parts and will also land on ITVX as a box set.
Ridley season 2 cast
Adrian Dunbar returns in the leading role with Bronagh Waugh as DI Carol Framan. John Michie joins as jeweller Harry with Julie Graham back as Annie.
The original team all return with Terence Maynard (Time, Coronation Street) as DCI Paul Goodwin, George Bukhari (Years and Years, The A Word) as DC Darren Lakhan, Georgie Glen (The Crown, Call the Midwife) as pathologist Dr Wendy Newstone. The regular cast also includes Bhavna Limbachia (Citizen Khan, Coronation Street) as Geri.
Guest stars in episode one include John Henshaw (The Long Shadow) and Christine Bottomley (Domina).
Plot — what happens in episode 1?
The makers tease: "Ridley starts to investigate when a jewellery heist turns violent, and the thieves take off with their stolen loot. After an interested party is killed in broad daylight, Ridley and Carol have a race against time to discover the identity of the criminal mastermind behind the whole operation. Will the team be able to bring them to justice before more blood is spilled?"
What happens in episode 2?
The makers tease: "The discovery of a decomposed body in the depths of Hawsley Wood sends shockwaves through the investigative team, as it is identified as a woman who vanished without a trace six years prior. Retired detective Alex Ridley joins forces with Carol and Goodwin to delve into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the case.
"Ridley must enlist the help of disgraced ex-copper Jean Dixon, who oversaw the original investigation. Despite past conflicts between Ridley and Jean, he is determined to mend their relationship in the pursuit of justice. As they re-examine the cold case, new details emerge, and the team finds themselves entangled in a web of long-buried secrets and unresolved conflicts.
"The murder investigation takes an unforeseen turn when another body is discovered, sending shockwaves through the community.
"Amidst the twists and turns of the investigation, Ridley and Jean must navigate their own strained history while striving to solve a case that hits uncomfortably close to home."
What happens in episode 3?
The makers tease: " When a body is discovered at an illegal rave, Ridley and the investigative team are thrust into a high-profile case. The victim, Oliver Grant, emerges as the heir apparent to his family's property empire, poised to become the next CEO.
"The case takes unexpected turns as Ridley navigates through the secretive world of underground parties, exposing a side of Oliver Grant that starkly contrasts with his public persona. Unravelling the layers of his double life becomes paramount in solving the mystery behind Oliver’s untimely demise. Simultaneously, retired detective Ridley grapples with a personal dilemma. In the midst of the intense investigation, he faces a decision regarding the potential sale of a portion of his shares in Marling’s to Annie's new boyfriend, Harry.
"As the team inches closer to uncovering the truth behind Oliver's murder, the juxtaposition of the corporate world, the underground rave scene, and Ridley's personal struggles weaves a gripping tale of mystery and intrigue."
What happens in episode 4?
The makers tease: "In the serene village of Colden Vale, the tranquility shatters as Tara Dunning, a beloved local wife and mother, mysteriously vanishes. The urgency to locate her before it's too late propels Ridley and Carol into action as they take on the investigation. Initial speculations linger on the possibility that Tara might have intentionally disappeared, but a chilling discovery alters the course of the inquiry and suggests more sinister motivations.
"The stakes heighten when a second individual goes missing. The team, now under increased pressure, intensify their efforts to unravel the mystery, racing against time to prevent further tragedies.
"Ridley must confront the shadows lurking beneath the picturesque facade of village life, striving to unearth the truth and bring justice to the distraught community. The team navigates the intricate puzzle of disappearances and deaths, in the relentless pursuit of answers before more lives are claimed."
Is there a trailer?
No, not yet.
Ridley season 2 behind the scenes and more
Ridley season 2 was filmed in the north of England. Ridley is written and created by award-winning writer Paul Matthew Thompson, one of the lead writers on Vera.
