After the Flood Returns: Sophie Rundle Leads Explosive Second Series of ITV’s Gripping Crime Thriller

Just days away from its highly anticipated premiere, ITV’s acclaimed crime drama After the Flood is set to flood screens once more with a second series packed with darker mysteries, personal stakes, and shocking twists. Premiering on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 9pm on ITV1 and available as a boxset on ITVX from the same morning, the six-part thriller sees Sophie Rundle reprise her compelling role as newly promoted detective Jo Marshall. Following the bombshell revelations of series one, Jo returns to the beleaguered town of Waterside, where rising threats of moorland fires and potential flooding heighten the tension.

Here is a first look at Sophie Rundle as the determined detective Jo Marshall, ready to tackle another baffling case:

prima.co.uk

Get a first look at Sophie Rundle’s return in highly-anticipated …

The new series picks up after the explosive events of the first run, where Jo uncovered corruption and secrets that threatened her family. Now, a perplexing new murder investigation thrusts her back into the spotlight. A body is discovered in bizarre circumstances amid the environmental dangers looming over Waterside, forcing Jo to team up with her new partner, DS Sam Bradley, portrayed by the formidable Jill Halfpenny.

Here, Jill Halfpenny joins the cast as the intense DS Sam Bradley, bringing fresh dynamics to the investigation:

radiotimes.com

After the Flood adds Jill Halfpenny to season 2 cast as filming …

Fans will be thrilled to see familiar faces return, including Lorraine Ashbourne as Jo’s mother, Molly Marshall, whose complex relationship with her daughter adds emotional depth. Philip Glenister reprises his role as Jack Radcliffe, the shady developer with ties to past corruption, while Matt Stokoe returns as Jo’s husband, Pat Holman, whose secrets from series one continue to ripple through the family.

This powerful ensemble shot captures returning stars including Sophie Rundle, Lorraine Ashbourne, and Philip Glenister in tense Waterside surroundings:

standard.co.uk

After The Flood: who plays who, from Sophie Rundle to Philip …

Adding layers of intrigue are new cast members Alun Armstrong, who brings gravitas to his role, and others like Matthew McNulty, enhancing the web of suspects and allies. The series, created and written by BAFTA-nominated Mick Ford, masterfully blends environmental peril with personal drama, exploring themes of corruption, loyalty, and resilience in a community on the edge.

The atmospheric backdrop of a flooded town and investigative tension is beautifully captured in these dramatic scenes from the series:

timeout.com

Where Was After the Flood Filmed? All The Real-Life Filming …

Critics and viewers alike praised the first series for its twisty plotting—often compared to Line of Duty—and Rundle’s standout performance as a relatable yet steely detective navigating moral grey areas. Series two promises to escalate the stakes, with Jo’s promotion bringing new responsibilities while old threats, including the corrupt Sergeant Phil Mackie (Nicholas Gleaves), loom large. Mackie’s blackmail from the previous season threatens to destroy Jo’s family reputation, forcing her to balance duty with protection of her loved ones.

Another intense moment highlighting the cast’s chemistry and the show’s moody tone:

cultbox.co.uk

After the Flood second series first look, cast details and more

As the premiere approaches, excitement is building across social media, with fans speculating about who might be behind the new murder and whether Jo can finally expose the full extent of Waterside’s secrets. Produced by Quay Street Productions (part of ITV Studios), the series continues to shine a light on the real-world impacts of climate change while delivering edge-of-your-seat crime storytelling.

With its stellar cast, gripping narrative, and timely themes, After the Flood series two looks set to be unmissable television. Tune in from Sunday, January 18—expect twists, heartbreak, and revelations that will leave viewers questioning everything.