The BBC has lifted the curtain on the highly anticipated second series of the Belfast-centric police drama ‘Blue Lights,’ revealing fresh images and an exciting lineup of returning and new cast members. Set to grace screens this Spring on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, the series is produced by Two Cities Television.
Returning to reprise their roles are Siân Brooke as Grace Ellis, Martin McCann as Stevie Neil, Katherine Devlin as Annie Conlon, Nathan Braniff as Tommy Foster, Joanne Crawford as Helen McNally, Andi Osho as Sandra Cliff, and Hannah McClean as Jen Robinson. Also making a comeback are Paddy Jenkins as Happy Kelly, Desmond Eastwood as Murray Canning, Andrea Irvine as Nicola Robinson, Aoibhéann McCann as Geraldine Gilroy, and Abigail McGibbon as Tina McIntyre.
Joining the ensemble for the second series are Frank Blake, known for his roles in ‘The Border’ and ‘Normal People,’ who takes on the character of new Constable Shane Bradley. Additionally, Seamus O’Hara, renowned for his appearance in the Academy Award-winning short film ‘An Irish Goodbye,’ stars as Lee Thompson, alongside Seána Kerslake as his sister Mags.
Craig McGinlay, seen in ‘Cobra,’ steps into the role of Lee’s right-hand man Craig, while Dan Gordon, known for his work in ‘Bloodlands,’ portrays Mags and Lee’s Uncle Rab.
The upcoming season delves deeper into the lives of Grace, Annie, and Tommy as they navigate the challenges of policing in a city rife with turmoil. A year following the downfall of the McIntyre crime syndicate, rival gangs vie for control, plunging the officers into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. With the introduction of Constable Shane Bradley, played by Frank Blake, the dynamics within the force become increasingly complex.
Writers and directors Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, say: “Blue Lights is a very personal project for us, set in the city where we live, so for us making this show is a special kind of privilege. In series two we join our officers exactly a year after the events of series one, and now they’re facing a whole new set of professional and personal challenges. We’re very excited indeed about bringing you this next chapter of the Blue Lights story. Take a beat!”
Stephen Wright, Executive Producer, Creative Director and Joint CEO of Two Cities Television says: “I am so proud of series one and delighted by the audience response. I am looking forward to bringing our characters and the city of Belfast back for series two as well as introducing some exciting new characters and storylines to the fans.”
Louise Gallagher, Executive Producer and Founder, Gallagher Films: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the response to the first series of Blue Lights. The feedback from the viewers has been more than I ever could have wished for. I am very grateful to the BBC for the opportunity to make a second series and I’m excited about sharing our new stories and revealing where our officers are one year on.”
Nick Lambon, BBC Drama Commissioning Editor, Northern Ireland, says: “We can’t wait for viewers to join another shift with the fantastic returning cast of Blue Lights, as well as meet some surprising new recruits to the team. Declan and Adam’s scripts promise new dangers and high-stakes drama for all our officers, proving that a year into the job, these rookies still have a lot more to learn.”
‘Blue Lights’ debuted on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in March 2023, garnering rave reviews and amassing over 7 million viewers within 28 days. The series secured its place as one of the top ten new drama series of 2023 across all platforms and was the highest-rated drama series in Northern Ireland. With over half of its audience streaming via BBC iPlayer, the show’s success has been undeniable.
The six-part series, co-created, written, and directed by Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, is a collaborative effort between Two Cities Television and Gallagher Films, with support from Northern Ireland Screen. Amanda Black serves as the producer for the second series, with Adam Patterson, Declan Lawn, and Jack Casey taking on directing duties.
International distribution of both series one and two is handled by BBC Studios, with the first season already making waves across the globe.
Viewers can catch up on series one of ‘Blue Lights’ now streaming on BBC iPlayer.
