Actress Sophie Rundle has candidly discussed the significant challenges of returning to work on a major TV drama while navigating life as a mother to two young children.
Return to Waterside for Series Two
The Peaky Blinders and Gentleman Jack star reprises her role as the newly promoted Detective Jo Marshall in the second series of ITV's hit drama, After the Flood. The show makes its explosive return on Sunday, 18 January, airing weekly on Sundays and Mondays on ITV, with all episodes available on ITVX.
The new series picks up with Jo on the trail of a baffling murder case. As tensions rise in the town of Waterside, threatened by moorland fires and further flooding, a body is discovered in bizarre circumstances. Jo's investigation pits her against powerful local forces, drawing her into a deeply personal probe that requires her to operate in secret to root out long-standing corruption.
The Reality of Juggling Motherhood and a Demanding Role
In an exclusive interview, Rundle, 37, spoke openly about the three to four-month filming schedule, which coincided with a pivotal time for her family. She shares two sons, aged four and one, with her partner and fellow actor Matt Stokoe, who also stars in the series as her character's husband, Detective Pat Holman.
"It was hard, it was hard going," Rundle admitted. "So there's the huge juggle of trying to be mum and trying to be, you know, me as an actor. And that is always really, really hard for anybody, a parent who tries to work. It's very difficult."
She praised the production team for their support in helping her manage both responsibilities. "Production were amazing actually. And they configured the schedule so that I could work four consecutive days a week and then I would get three days off so I could come home and be with the boys and be with the family," she explained.
A Fictional and Personal Balance
Rundle found a poignant parallel between her real-life experience and her character's journey. "It was great because this show is about a woman trying to find a balance between motherhood, herself as a mother, and herself as a professional. They allowed me to do that in my real life as well," she said.
Reflecting on the return to the drama, which was recommissioned due to strong viewer demand, Rundle expressed her delight. "It's really lovely coming back... it's a great part and it's a great, very well-drawn, well-built world that lends itself really well to continuing on the story," she stated. She also highlighted the consistency of having 99% of the crew return from the first series.
Teasing the new episodes, Rundle promised a gripping continuation. "It goes right to the brink," she said. "It's a really good, well-deserved continuation... There's so much more story to be explored. You really care about these characters and you're rooting for them."
After the Flood series two begins on ITV at 9pm on Sunday, 18 January 2026.
