The highly anticipated second series of ITV's thriller Red Eye landed with a bump on New Year's Day, as viewers took to social media within minutes to voice the same glaring complaint about a factual blunder.
Viewer Reaction and Plot Premise
Returning to screens on Thursday, 1st January 2026, the drama saw Jing Lusi reprise her role as DS Hana Li, who is drawn into a new investigation following the murder of an American diplomatic courier at Heathrow Airport. The plot, set eighteen months after Russia is blamed for downing a cargo plane over the Atlantic, also features Martin Compston as US Embassy security chief Clay Brody, with returning stars Lesley Sharp and Jemma Moore.
However, the intricate storyline was overshadowed for many by an apparent continuity error. Fans immediately spotted a Ryanair aircraft featured in a scene purportedly set at Heathrow Airport, a base the budget airline does not operate from.
Social Media Erupts Over Airport Error
One viewer pointedly asked, "Hmm, Ryanair at Heathrow?" prompting a chorus of agreement online. Another commented, "Did anyone else just spot Ryanair on #redeye at Heathrow? That's not accurate, they don't operate there!" A fellow fan responded, "Glad I’m not the only one who spotted that."
Criticism extended beyond this single detail. One disgruntled viewer labelled the opener "The biggest pile of s*** I've ever seen," while another, who enjoyed the first series, stated they were "not enjoying it quite so much" by episode three, citing "barely believable characters."
Defence and a Surprise Return
Not all feedback was negative. Some viewers defended the ITV drama, with one calling the first episode "not bad" and "run of the mill so far." Another affirmed it was "definitely one worth watching," and several praised the addition of Martin Compston to the cast.
In a significant plot development, ITV announced a surprise appearance by Richard Armitage, returning as Dr Matthew Nolan. Discussing his character's comeback, Armitage revealed Nolan is found at home, forced to improvise major trauma surgery with limited equipment after his doorbell rings. "He was just about to open a bottle of red," the actor shared, highlighting the character's resourcefulness.
The synopsis for the second episode, airing on Friday night and available on ITVX, teases escalating tension as a Russian threat locks down the US Embassy with a killer inside, while a potential bomb is investigated on a government jet.
