Ridley’s Adrian Dunbar praised by co-star as they admit ‘I adore him’

Line of Duty’s Adrian Dunbar has been praised by his co-star as they open up about their friendship and working relationship

This weekend marks the highly anticipated return of Ridley’s second series to ITV following a three-year break. Originally launched in 2022, the crime drama stars Adrian Dunbar, who recently spoke about the possible return of Line of Duty, in the lead role as retired detective Alex Ridley.

Following his recruitment by former protégé DI Farman (Bronagh Waugh) to assist with a case, he swiftly finds himself thrust back into action, attempting to crack a crime.

The former DI now returns once more to tackle additional complex and baffling cases alongside the team.

A synopsis for the second series states: “Alex Ridley is a charismatic former Detective Inspector, who retired from the police after years of dedicated service, having lost his wife and daughter in a devastating arson attack on their family home.

“In this thrilling crime series, Ridley has returned to the police force as a police consultant – joining forces with his former protegee DI Carol Farman, now at the helm of investigations.

READ MORE: Coronation Street icon addresses being cancelled after ITV soap exitREAD MORE: Emmerdale star opens up about death and ‘readiness’ for life’s next chapter

“Series two sees Ridley return to our screens, investigating crimes which will take him from the atmospheric moors, investigating a historic murder, to the pulsating beats of an illegal rave.

“Ridley must face formidable challenges as he works tirelessly to solve the most intricate and perplexing cases.”

Back in 2022, actress Bronagh Waugh discussed with Express and other media outlets her experience working alongside Adrian in her debut detective role.

Bronagh revealed that she had always admired Adrian’s stage performances and was over the moon when the chance came to collaborate with him.

Discussing their natural on-screen rapport, Bronagh was asked by the Express if her familiarity with Adrian prior to filming contributed to their chemistry, given they’re from the same area.

She responded enthusiastically: “I adore him! Oddly enough, in Northern Ireland, everyone does seem to know each other, but we didn’t actually know each other!”

The ITV celebrity also reflected on how her fellow actor supported her during her debut detective role. Bronagh remarked: “Adrian has been nothing short of a mentor to me and has taken good care of me.

“I had a new baby when we were filming, and Adrian was just wonderful and looked after me and guided me. He calmly steered the ship and made me feel like I could do it.

“I think I needed that, I needed someone to be like, ‘You can do it.’ He’s great, I’m very fond of him and we’re great friends now.”

Ridley season 2 is set to premiere on Sunday 10th August at 8pm on ITV1.