Before We Die 2023 start date confirmed for series 2 of Channel 4 drama

Channel 4 drama Before We Die is back for a second series with a start date now confirmed.

The series is based on the hit Swedish show of the same name and set in Bristol.

Series 2 will see Lesley Sharp (Scott & Bailey, Three Girls) return to head up the cast as detective Hannah Laing, who joins forces with maverick detective Billy Murdoch, played by Vincent Regan (Troy, 300) in a desperate bid to protect her son Christian, played by Patrick Gibson (The OA, Guerrilla).

The next instalment will not follow the same storyline of the original Swedish series, but will see Hannah pitched directly against Dubravka, played by Kazia Pelka (World’s End, Casualty) the matriarch at the head of the Mimica Croatian crime family.

Before We Die starts on Channel 4 on Sunday, 25 June at 9PM.

Episodes of the five-part series will continue nightly through to Thursday, 29 June.

A teaser of the opening episode shares: “Following the end of series one, DI Hannah Laing and crime matriarch Dubravka Mimica are at a loss. Dubravka’s son is missing, presumed dead, and Hannah’s has run off overseas with a member of the Mimica crime family.

“But despite being on opposite sides of the law, both will stop at nothing to protect their sons. In episode one, Hannah and Billy join forces once again to try to uncover the leak at Police HQ in Bristol.

“Dubravka is joined by her nephew Goran and comes under pressure from the family in Zagreb to shift drugs. Meanwhile, Christian and Bianca find that their Costa Rican hideout isn’t as safe as it seems…”

For now you can watch series 1 of Before We Die online via Channel4.com here.

Channel 4 Head of Drama Caroline Hollick, who commissioned the series, said: “I’m delighted to welcome back this gripping crime thriller to the channel.

“Series one struck a chord with audiences, with over 12 million viewers tuned into the show on All 4 – from the edge of their seats. I can’t wait for audiences to enter back into this world – with more surprises, twists and turns in store and I’m delighted to have Lesley Sharp back at the helm playing the formidable Hannah Laing, along with the rest of our brilliant cast.”

Lesley Sharp who plays Hannah Laing added: “To take part in a story that has a complex, ambivalent, older female character at the centre of its beating heart is a privilege. I am excited and honoured to be part of this collaborative, creative team. Viva Hannah! Viva Channel4! Viva Eagle Eye! Here’s to the next chapter of Before We Die.”