Bloodlands series 2 confirmed with James Nesbitt BBC One drama coming back for more

BBC One drama Bloodlands will return for a second series, it’s been announced.

Filming is now underway on six new episodes for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Starring James Nesbitt, the first four-part series aired in March 2021 leaving viewers shocked by the revelations about the complex character of DCI Tom Brannick and what his future might entail.

The cat-and-mouse thriller will again film in Belfast and the surrounding areas, including Strangford Lough.

Further returning cast includes Charlene McKenna (Peaky Blinders, Holding), Lorcan Cranitch (The Last Kingdom, The Dig), Lola Petticrew (Tuesday, Dating Amber) and Chris Walley (The Young Offenders, 1917).

Victoria Smurfit (Marcella, Once Upon a Time) will take on the new role of Olivia, an enigmatic widow at the centre of Brannick’s latest case whose intentions may be far from innocent.

A teaser for series 2 shares: “When the murder of a crooked accountant unravels a trail of greed that threatens to expose his identity as legendary assassin, Goliath, Tom (James Nesbitt) and the accountant’s widow, Olivia (Victoria Smurfit), must keep each other dangerously close.

“As they try to solve the riddle her husband left behind, and become more and more immersed in the puzzle of each other, Tom and Olivia draw in Tom’s fellow officers DS Niamh McGovern (Charlene McKenna), DCS Jackie Twomey (Lorcan Cranitch) and DC “Birdy” Bird (Chris Walley), as well as his daughter, Izzy (Lola Petticrew), until deceit and betrayal build to a shattering climax.”

James Nesbitt said: “It’s brilliant to be back filming in Northern Ireland and reunited with the gang for the second series of Bloodlands.

“I couldn’t be happier to be welcoming Victoria to the cast, having first worked with her over 20 years ago! I can’t wait for audiences to see what’s next for the cunning and complex Tom Brannick.”

Victoria Smurfit added: ”I’m beyond excited to be joining the cast of Bloodlands and to be working with Jimmy again. I adored watching the first series!”

Creator and writer Chris Brandon commented: “It’s very exciting to be able to return with another series of Bloodlands, and to reunite with such a talented cast and crew in Northern Ireland.

“I can’t wait to watch James Nesbitt as Tom Brannick again, as he navigates the thrills and surprises of this new story, and I’m delighted to welcome Victoria Smurfit to the drama.”

You can catch up with the first series of Bloodlands online now via the BBC iPlayer here.