Adrian Dunbar to return for second series of ITV's Ridley
The Northern Irish actor will reprise his role of Detective Inspector Alex Ridley
Legendary Northern Irish actor Adrian Dunbar is set to reprise his role in ITV detective drama Ridley, as bosses confirm series two. Following the release of series one in 2022, the show became ITV1's 4th biggest new drama launch that year - so it comes as no surprise that the show is returning for a second season.
Adrian, who is best known for his role as Superintendent Ted Hastings in hit BBC show Line of Duty, plays the role of lead character Detective Inspector Alex Ridley, who is a retired detective turned police consultant. Series two will see his partnership with former protégée DI Carol Farman resume, who is now in charge of investigations.
The popular show will return to solve more crimes in four two-hour films. On the show's return, Adrian said: "There can be no greater endorsement of hard work and talent than the recommission of a series and to that end we have to thank ITV and the British public for taking to Ridley in such numbers.
"We shall certainly work just as hard to keep the standard we have set and I look forward to developing Ridley as a character over the next four episodes."
Ridley is written and created by Paul Matthew Thompson, who is one of the lead writers of iconic detective drama Vera. It is also co-created by Jonathan Fisher, and both will act as Executive Producers alongside Ingrid Goodwin. Returning to produce series two is Juliet Charlesworth, known for huge titles such as Stay Close, Happy Valley, Scott & Bailey.
Filming for season one took place in Lancashire, however it is unknown where production is taking place for season two.
Ahead of the first series dropping last year, Adrian shared some unexpected details about his character, revealing he was delighted when producers granted his request for his character to sing in the series.
As fans of the show will know, Alex Ridley also owns a nightclub, where he would perform in order to help him cope with the death of his wife and daughter.
He told the Daily Mail at the time: "Ridley's on a journey of redemption after a tragedy, so there are aspects of his personality, such as his sense of humour, that we don't see initially. He isn't at that place yet where he can laugh at things — but hopefully he will further down the line."
He also joked that he was pleased to be wearing something other than his Line of Duty police uniform, adding: "Ted's uniform, especially the starched white shirt, didn't do me any favours."
What is ITV's Ridley about?
Prior to the release of the first season, ITV said of Ridley: 'The retired detective, who is now working in a consultancy role, resumes his partnership with his former protégée, DI Carol Farman, who is now in charge of investigations.
'When he's enlisted by Carol as a police consultant on a complex and compelling murder case, the investigation takes a dark and unexpected turn. Turning to her old mentor for support, Carol is keen to access Ridley’s unique insight into crime-solving which has served them so well in the past. With more intriguing cases to solve, Ridley will revive his formidable and successful partnership with Carol.'
Series two will see him resume his partnership with former protégée, DI Carol Farman, who is played by Bronagh Waugh.
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ITV confirmed that Ridley was inspired by real life retired detectives re-joining police forces in a consultancy role given increasingly over-stretched resources.
As well as Adrian, Ridley has an exceptional cast, including Terence Maynard, Bronagh Waugh, George Bukhari, Bhavna Limbachia and Aidan McArdle. New cast members for season two are yet to be confirmed.
No official air date has been given for Ridley series two just yet, but you can stream series one now on ITVX.
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