ITV's gripping drama After the Flood makes a dramatic return this Sunday, 18 January, with actress Lorraine Ashbourne once again at the heart of the story. The new series promises more mystery and tension as the fictional town of Waterside faces a fresh crisis.
What's Next for Waterside?
The second series picks up with Sophie Rundle's character, Jo Marshall, now a detective. She is thrust into a baffling new murder case when a body is discovered under strange circumstances. This happens as the community contends with the dual threats of dangerous moorland fires and the ever-present risk of another devastating flood.
Jo's investigation quickly brings her into conflict with the town's most powerful figures. To uncover years of corruption within the local police force and her own family, she must operate in secret, making the case deeply personal and perilous.
Meet the Actress Behind Molly Marshall
Lorraine Ashbourne, 65, delivers a standout performance as Molly Marshall, the protective and anxious mother of Jo. A seasoned performer, her career spans decades with roles in major productions like The Crown, Bridgerton, Sherwood, and Unforgotten.
Off-screen, Ashbourne is part of a renowned acting dynasty. She is married to Hollywood star Andy Serkis, best known for his iconic performance as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The couple met in 1989 and tied the knot in 2002.
A Family of Thespians
Together, they have three children who have all followed their parents into the acting profession. Their daughter Ruby, 28, and sons Sonny, 26, and Louis, 21, have already built impressive resumes featuring roles in The Hobbit films, The Witcher, Masters of the Air, and Netflix's The Queen's Gambit.
In a recent interview with The i Paper, Lorraine joked about her children's career choice, saying, "We should have taken them to the Science Museum more!" She expressed mixed feelings, noting, "I hate the idea of them having to go through rejection. We keep telling them that every actor has to face it."
After the Flood series two begins on Sunday, 18 January at 9pm on ITV, airing weekly on Sundays and Mondays. All episodes will be available to stream on ITVX.
