Fans of British crime dramas have reason to celebrate as ITV’s hit series Ridley returns for its second season in 2025. Adrian Dunbar reprises his role as the sharp-minded consultant detective Alex Ridley, teaming up with DI Carol Farman to tackle complex cases, starting with a gripping murder investigation in the premiere episode on August 10.
This season builds on the success of the first, blending intense police work with Ridley’s personal passion for jazz singing. With four feature-length episodes, the show promises fresh mysteries, emotional depth, and a mix of familiar faces and new talent that keeps viewers hooked.
Returning Cast: Familiar Faces Back in Action
Adrian Dunbar leads the pack as Alex Ridley, the retired detective drawn back into the force after personal tragedy. His character’s journey from grief to redemption struck a chord with audiences in season one, and this year explores how past traumas continue to shape his decisions.
Bronagh Waugh returns as DI Carol Farman, Ridley’s trusted partner who pulled him out of retirement. Their dynamic partnership drives the show’s tension, offering a blend of professional respect and subtle conflict.
Terence Maynard is back as DCI Paul Goodwin, the no-nonsense boss with a complicated history with Ridley. Georgie Glen reprises her role as Dr. Wendy Newstone, the forensic expert whose insights often crack the toughest cases. George Bukhari returns as DC Darren Lakhan, providing reliable support in investigations, while Julie Graham is Annie Marling, Ridley’s close friend and jazz club owner who adds warmth to his life.
These returning actors bring continuity and depth, drawing from their real-life experiences in shows like Line of Duty and Call the Midwife. Their chemistry helped Ridley gain over 5 million viewers per episode in its debut season, according to ITV ratings data from 2022, and experts predict even higher numbers this year amid a surge in crime drama popularity.
New Characters Joining the Ridley Universe
Season two introduces John Michie as Harry Bentham, a local businessman forging a bond with Annie Marling. This new regular character adds layers of intrigue, potentially stirring up romantic and business rivalries that tie into the main plots.
Michie’s addition reflects the show’s evolution, bringing fresh energy to Ridley’s world. As a veteran of soaps like Coronation Street, he fits seamlessly into the ensemble, much like how new characters in similar 2025 series such as Vera’s latest season have refreshed long-running formulas.
This move aligns with trends in British TV, where shows like Sherwood have successfully integrated new arcs to keep stories dynamic. Logical reasoning suggests Harry’s role could explore themes of community and corruption, common in Ridley’s northern England setting.
Spotlight on Episode 1: Guest Stars and Key Roles
The opener, titled “A Sleeping Tiger,” dives into the murder of a young man named Ryan, fresh out of police custody. This episode features a slate of guest stars who elevate the drama.
Chloe Harris plays Tash Walker, a pub worker with hidden connections to the crime. Kaya Moore portrays Callum Douglas, a suspect whose backstory adds suspense. Kerim Hassan appears as Liam Manley, another figure linked to the victim, while John Henshaw is Frank Stanford, Ryan’s grieving grandfather. Krissi Bohn rounds out the cast as Rebecca Bayling, the sharp lawyer navigating the legal twists.
- Chloe Harris as Tash Walker: Brings emotional depth from her roles in historical dramas like The Spanish Princess.
- Kaya Moore as Callum Douglas: Known for youthful energy in Waterloo Road, perfect for a character under suspicion.
- Kerim Hassan as Liam Manley: Adds intensity from thrillers like Champion.
- John Henshaw as Frank Stanford: Veteran actor from Early Doors, portraying family anguish convincingly.
- Krissi Bohn as Rebecca Bayling: Her experience in Law & Order UK makes her ideal for legal showdowns.
These guests ensure each episode feels self-contained yet connected, a format that has boosted viewer retention in similar shows.
What Makes Ridley Season 2 Stand Out in 2025
Beyond the cast, this season tackles timely themes like justice reform and personal loss, resonating with real-world events such as the 2025 UK debates on police accountability. Ridley’s jazz interludes provide lighter moments, contrasting the dark crimes and entertaining fans who enjoy multifaceted characters.
Compared to other 2025 releases like the new Shetland episodes, Ridley balances procedural elements with character-driven stories. Dunbar’s real-life singing background adds authenticity, a detail that has sparked fan discussions on social media platforms.
| Aspect | Season 1 Highlights | Season 2 Updates |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Actor | Adrian Dunbar as grieving detective | Deeper exploration of trauma recovery |
| Episode Count | 4 feature-length | 4 new mysteries with guest arcs |
| Viewership | Averaged 5 million | Projected rise due to streaming options |
| Themes | Family loss, arson | Justice, community ties, redemption |
| Filming Locations | Northern England moors | Expanded to urban Bolton scenes |
This table shows how the series evolves while staying true to its roots.
Experts note that Ridley’s success mirrors the boom in British exports to global audiences, with PBS airing it in the US since September 2024, building international buzz.
How to Watch and What Fans Are Saying
Ridley season two airs on ITV1 starting August 10, 2025, with episodes available on ITVX for streaming. Each installment runs about 90 minutes, making it ideal for binge-watching.
Fan reactions highlight excitement over the cast’s chemistry, with many praising Dunbar’s return amid his other 2025 projects, like theater revivals. This ties into broader trends, such as the resurgence of detective shows post-pandemic, offering escapism and intellectual puzzles.
If you’re a fan of intricate plots and strong performances, this season solves the problem of finding quality TV by delivering both. Share your thoughts on the new characters in the comments below, and don’t forget to spread the word on social media to help fellow viewers discover Ridley!