The highly anticipated second series of ITV's gripping drama After the Flood has arrived, bringing with it a formidable ensemble of familiar faces from British television and beyond. The show, which premiered its new series on Sunday, 18 January 2026, continues to blend a tense murder mystery with the looming threat of environmental disaster in the fictional town of Waterside.
A Star-Studded Line-Up Returns
At the heart of the drama is Sophie Rundle, who reprises her role as the determined Detective Jo Marshall. Now newly promoted, Jo finds herself investigating a perplexing murder while the town faces dual crises of moorland fires and potential flooding. Her pursuit of truth pits her against the town's powerful elite and uncovers deep-seated corruption, making the investigation intensely personal.
Rundle is undoubtedly best known to audiences for her six-series stint as Ada Shelby in the BBC's iconic Peaky Blinders, starring opposite Cillian Murphy. Her extensive CV also includes major roles in Bodyguard, Gentleman Jack, and Happy Valley, making her a cornerstone of the series.
New and Returning Faces
The cast features several notable additions and returning stars. Philip Glenister, famed for his iconic role as DCI Gene Hunt in Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes, joins the series as property developer Jack Radcliffe. Meanwhile, Lorraine Ashbourne returns as Jo's mother, Molly. Ashbourne is a familiar presence in hit series, having played Mrs Varley in Netflix's Bridgerton and Barbara Castle in The Crown.
Other key returning cast members include:
- Matt Stokoe as Pat Holman, Jo's on-screen husband. Off-screen, Stokoe is engaged to Sophie Rundle and they share two children.
- Nicholas Gleaves as DS Phil Mackie, Jo's boss with a secret.
- Jacqueline Boatswain as local politician Sarah Mackie.
Newcomers to the series for this chapter include Jill Halfpenny (known for Byker Grove, EastEnders and Liar) as DS Sam Bradley, and veteran actor Alun Armstrong (New Tricks, Braveheart) as Alan Benson. Ian Puleston-Davies, best known for his role as Owen Armstrong in Coronation Street, also joins the cast as Tony Rower.
Where to Watch
After the Flood airs weekly on Sundays and Mondays on ITV, with all episodes available to stream on ITVX. The series promises to deliver the same potent mix of family drama, police procedural, and environmental thriller that captivated audiences in its first run, now bolstered by an even more impressive roster of acting talent.
