Everything you need to know about series 2 of Blue Lights
It aired in 2024
Last updated 4th Nov 2025
Following the success of series one of crime drama Blue Lights back in 2023, BBC bosses were quick to confirm the amazing news that the hit series had been commissioned for a second instalment, which dropped in the spring of 2024.
Now series three has also aired, it's the perfect time to take a deep dive into what happened in the second series... But be warned, there's spoilers ahead!
What happened in Blue Lights season 2?
The rookies are back for another year at the Belfast-based police station, with the exception of Jennifer Robinson, who's taken up a new role as a trainee solicitor. It’s a year since the fall of the McIntyre crime gang, but drug-fuelled violence is causing unrest across the Mount Eden estate while rival gangs compete for dominance.
In the first episode of season two, we see a dangerous situation unfold at a local pharmacy, when a man desperate for his methadone prescription attacks staff — and threatens Grace. Grace and Stevie's blossoming relationship faces bumps in the road as Stevie leaps in to protect her at every opportunity.
Meanwhile Jen goes in search of justice, following a bomb in 1978 which killed Happy Kelly's father and brother. Happy was the childhood friend of PC Gerry Cliff (killed in the first series).
A body is found, which is later revealed to be that of Ian Campbell — an ex-military friend of loyalist, Lee Thompson. Known as "Soupy", the former serviceman died following a drugs overdose — news which leads Lee, the landlord at local pub The Loyal, to organise a memorial march.
Across the town, major drug dealer Jim 'Dixie' Dixon has control of various prominent people and places, through fear tactics, which leads publican Lee to begin formulating a plan to regain control.
In episode two, love is in the air in the force, as Annie spends the night with transferred cop, Shane Bradley and Tommy invites Derry officer, Aisling Byrne on a date.
Meanwhile Dixie's property goes up in flames, with his family inside. Annie and Shane put their own lives in danger to bring them out safely. Convinced it's been caused by a petrol bomb thrown by a rival gang, the PSNI carefully plan their next moves around town, concerned the situation may escalate.
Due to his many years working amongst the community, disgraced PC David 'Jonty' Johnson is drafted back in to help bring the unrest under control.
At The Loyal, Lee plans to his next move to bring down Dixie, despite concern from his sister Mags and nephew Henry. It's as rival drugs boss, Davy Hamill's son Gareth is attacked by the Dixons.
Lee's loyalists march through the estate, bringing the two gangs face to face at the end. Dixie doubles his protection money as a result. The second episode ends with Lee revealing to Dixie that it was him who set fire to his family home, before Dixie is shot dead later the same night.
As series two continues, we see Jen meet with Robin Graham, a former serving police officer, to discuss the chip shop bombing which killed Happy's family during The Troubles. He reveals a source told him about the bomb two days before it happened back in '78. To protect his source, Robin admits he didn't stop it from happening.
Lee appears to get himself mixed up with some unsavoury sorts, convincing himself that he's making the town a safer place to live and chasing Davy Hamill out of town. We see Tina McIntyre — widow to season one's crime boss, James — stake her claim in the area too.
An unapproved undercover operation at a local nightclub where drugs are being distributed ends with Tommy getting beaten up by a member of the OCG, who works out his real identity. PC Shane Bradley and DS Murray Canning leave the scene when they realise what's happened, rather than going to his aid. Annie later punches DS Canning after confronting him about the situation, which leaves him smirking and insisting PC Bradley "put a muzzle on it".
After providing Jen with documents which reveal corruption in the police force back in the '70s, Robin Graham is arrested under the Official Secrets Act.
We see Lee release Dixie's former debtors of the money they owe, but later lets his young nephew Henry shadow him as he threatens a number of dangerous people. Henry, confused by the violence surrounding him, shoots at police officers driving past his window, which leads to a terrifying stand-off for those involved and his mum, Mags, who watches on.
Eventually Grace manages to talk Henry round and removes the gun from him. On seeing what's happened in footage shared online, Lee spins the narrative to encourage locals to turn on the police.
Lee and Mags' uncle Rab Mckendry is devastated by the danger Henry was put in and lashes out at Lee, as he's taken away by police. He's questioned on various crimes, including the shooting of Jim Dixon and the fire which engulfed his house.
Rab is later hit by a petrol bomb during rioting and dies from a cardiac arrest. Following his devastating death, the police try to convince Henry's mother, Mags, to give evidence against her brother, to protect the town from further unrest.
While in custody, gang member, Craig McQuarrie, admits to killing Dixie and setting fire to the house, claiming Lee knew nothing about it. Lee's released and attempts to return to The Loyal Pub, but Mags sends him away, telling him the town has finally turned on him.
She tells him: "You said you'd be different, but you're not.
"You see, people like you Lee are chaos. The minute you're ready to kill for what you want, chaos comes to live with you. You hurt people Lee. Some people you mean to hurt and some people you don't. But you hurt us all in the end."
In final scenes, Happy is offered a large sum of money to close the case investigating the 1978 bombings. He accepts and sends the money to the central soup kitchen. He finds comfort, though, in Robin's explanation of the events, and how he was forced into silence at the time.
The series ends with Grace and Stevie finally going home together.
How was series two announced?
The exciting news about the drama, which is filmed in Belfast, was announced by Director of Drama at the BBC, Lindsay Salt, who said: "Blue Lights has been a breakout hit and so many of our viewers have taken the rookies to their hearts which is down to the fantastic cast and Declan and Adam’s vision. We can’t wait to have it back on BBC One and iPlayer for a second series."
How many episodes are there?
Series two is made up of six, 60-minute episodes.
Check out the trailer for Blue Lights season two below:
When was series two of Blue Lights on TV?
Series two ran from April to May 2024, with episodes airing once a week.
Fans could also watch Blue Lights series two in full on BBC iPlayer from Monday 15th April 2024.
Who is in series two of Blue Lights?
It was previously confirmed that main characters Siân Brooke, Martin McCann, Katherine Devlin, Nathan Braniff, Joanne Crawford, Andi Osho, and Hannah McClean would all reprise their roles for series two.
Sharing a behind-the-scenes photo of character Grace Eillis and Stevie Neil, screenwriter Declan Lawn wrote on Twitter: 'Blue Lights has been recommissioned for a second series. Thanks to everyone who watched it and for all the incredible support for the show. We’ll be back on @BBCOne in 2024. Until then - take a beat! 😀 #bluelights'. (sic)
In February 2024, further casting details were announced.
Joining the cast for the second series are Frank Blake as new Constable Shane Bradley, along with Seamus O’Hara as Lee Thompson, and Seána Kerslake as his sister Mags. Craig McGinlay has also joined the cast as Lee’s right-hand man Craig, and Dan Gordon will play the role of Mags and Lee’s Uncle Rab.
It was also announced that Belfast-born actor Derek Thompson would be appearing in two episodes of series two as retired police officer Robin Graham.
Speaking about the role, Derek said: "I was born in Belfast and was equally excited to travel over to work on the show and pleased to report, having read the scripts, that I'm sure the fans will love the second series every bit as much as the first. Greatly looking forward to it myself as I'm one of them."
See the full cast list below:
Siân Brooke - Grace Ellis
Martin McCann - Stevie Neil
Katherine Devlin - Annie Conlon
Nathan Braniff - Tommy Foster
Joanne Crawford - Inspector Helen McNally
Hannah McClean - Jen Robinson
Andi Osho - Sergeant Sandra Cliff
Desmond Eastwood - Detective Murray Canning
Andrea Irvine - Chief Superintendent Nicola Robinson
Frank Blake - Shane Bradley
Jonathan Harden - Inspector David ‘Jonty’ Johnson
Derek Thompson - Robin Graham
Seamus O’Hara - Lee Thompson
Seána Kerslake - Mags Thompson
Alfie Lawless - Henry Thompson
Abigail McGibbon - Tina McIntyre
Paddy Jenkins - Happy Kelly
Dan Gordon - Rab McKendry
Dearbhláile McKinney - Aisling Byrne
Check out all of the first look photos from Blue Lights series two:
Blue Lights series 2
Blue Lights series 2
Blue Lights series 2
Blue Lights series 2
Blue Lights series 2
Blue Lights series 2
Where was series 2 filmed?
Just like the first series, the second instalment was filmed in and around Belfast in 2023. A number of camera crews were spotted in High Street, as well as Dundonald.
Is there a third series of Blue Lights?
Yes. Series three of Blue Lights started on Monday 29th September. You can read all about it here.
What happened in series one?
Series one of Blue Lights, which first hit our screens on 27th March 2023, follows three rookie police officers (Siân Brooke, Katherine Devlin, and Nathan Braniff) working in Belfast, attempting to fight crime and navigate life in a uniquely dangerous place to be a police officer.
After receiving great viewing figures, and becoming the third most requested programme among 16-34 year-olds on BBC iPlayer, Executive Producer Stephen Wright said: “We are thrilled by the audience response to the show. Belfast is a vibrant, dynamic and complex place and we have a wealth of stories yet to come from our characters. We can’t wait to bring these to the fans.”
How can I watch Blue Lights?
All three series of Blue Lights is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.
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Now read:
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Blue Lights: Filming locations across Northern Ireland