ITV’s Ridley is back for a second series and will see Adrian Dunbar reprise his role as the charismatic former Detective Inspector, Alex Ridley.
Back in 2022, ITV had the nation captivated with the launch of a brand-new crime drama, Ridley.
Adrian Dunbar stepped into the shoes of a retired detective who was summoned by his former protégée, DI Carol Farman (Bronagh Waugh), to assist on a complex and riveting murder mystery.
However, as the series unfolded with dark and unforeseen twists, it left viewers craving more. To the delight of fans, Ridley is back once again to crack more baffling cases, reports Lancs Live.
An official synopsis of the second series reads: “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 protégée, DI Carol Farman, now at the helm of investigations.
“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.”
As the four-part series is set to kick off this weekend, we’re taking a look at some of the famous faces viewers can expect to see.
Alex Ridley – Adrian Dunbar
Taking the lead role as Alex Ridley is actor Adrian Dunbar, who is most famous for portraying Superintendent Ted Hastings in the enduring BBC crime series, Line of Duty. The Irish star has also appeared in programmes such as Blood, Broken, Silent Witness and Death in Paradise.
Discussing his return to Ridley, the 67-year-old commented: “Well, coming back, of course, was a wonderful experience, because the first series did so well. It was really well-received. There’s that feeling when you get a second series, there’s a really good buzz. We felt great about coming back and meeting everybody again, and we had the same crew, so it was fantastic.”
DI Carol Farman – Bronagh Waugh
Bronagh Waugh appears in Ridley as DI Carol Farman, Ridley’s former protégée who also featured in the debut series of the ITV programme. During the opening episode of the fresh season, audiences will witness Carol and Ridley battling against the clock to uncover the identity of the criminal mastermind orchestrating the entire operation following a jewellery robbery that turns deadly when someone loses their life.
Reflecting on her return to the character, the performer commented: “I was thrilled and delighted that we came back for a second series. The first series is establishing character and finding your feet, and for me, the second series was like, I know her, I know who she is, so it felt like I could dive straight into it.”
Audiences may recognise Bronagh from her appearances in The Fall, Unforgotten and Viewpoint.
DCI Paul Goodwin – Terence Maynard
ITV viewers will recall Terence Maynard from the first series of Ridley, where he portrayed the head of the police force, DCI Paul Goodwin. Despite his stern and rigid demeanour, it’s evident that he is rooting for his team to succeed, notwithstanding his intricate relationship with Ridley.
In the inaugural series, the pair had to set their personal feelings aside and collaborate for the benefit of the case. However, can they sustain this newfound cordial relationship?
The actor might be familiar to audiences from his roles in The Witcher, Sherwood and Professor T.
DC Darren Lakhan – George Bukhari
George Bukhari, who played the role of DC Darren Lakhan in Ridley, was a hit with fans in the first season. After a turbulent adolescence, he opted to join the forces and served in the army for two years before transitioning to the police department.
In the show, he’s seen as the ‘go to’ person for new leads and is always willing to go the extra mile for the team.
Away from the ITV series, George is most recognised for his portrayal of Sammy Farr in Coronation Street, a role he intermittently held from 2019 to 2022. Beyond his soap opera fame, the actor has also appeared in productions such as After the Flood, Years and Years and Vera.
Dr Wendy Newstone – Georgie Glen
Heading up the forensic team in Ridley is Dr Wendy Newstone, brought to life by Georgie Glen. ITV viewers are well versed with her expert knowledge during the investigations, which proves vital in assisting Ridley and Carol in their inquiries.
Beyond the crime drama, actress Georgie Glen is recognised for her roles in Call The Midwife, Waterloo Road, The Crown and Am I Being Unreasonable?
Other actors featuring in this series of Ridley include Julie Graham, Bhavna Limbachia, Tareq Al-Jeddal and John Michie.
Ridley season two will premiere on Sunday, August 10th at 8pm on ITV1.
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