Full trailer and start date released for Vigil series 3

Following the second series in 2023, BBC bosses confirmed in 2025 that hit drama Vigil had been commissioned for a third series, with popular actors Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie reprising their roles.

Filming wrapped in Scotland at the end of January 2026, with the BBC later releasing some first look images from series three, and the chilling teaser trailer. In August 2026, the BBC then dropped the full trailer along with the start date. Here's everything you need to know.

When is series three out?

The BBC has now confirmed series three will return to BBC iPlayer from 6am on Sunday 30th August, with episode one airing on BBC One at 9pm that evening.

Is there a trailer?

The full trailer for series three was released on Monday 17th August, showing DCI Amy Silva (Suranne Jones) and DI Kirsten Longacre (Rose Leslie) return for a high-stakes investigation that takes them to a remote Arctic research station, where a member of a covert British special forces mission has been shot dead.

Check out the full Vigil series three trailer below:

A teaser was also released on Tuesday 16th June 2026. You can watch it below.

What will happen in series three?

Vigil bosses have teased what fans can expect from series three, revealing Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie will return as DCI Amy Silva and DI Kirsten Longacre, as a new case takes them to a remote Arctic research station, where a member of a covert British special forces mission has been shot dead.

Amy and Kirsten will need to catch the killer and diffuse a potential international confrontation, driven by a land-grab for energy and resources in the changing polar climate, with both their careers and relationship on the line.

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: "After the barnstorming success of Vigil series one and two, it's our pleasure to announce the return of Silva and Longacre for what promises to be their most adrenaline-fuelled mission yet. Tom Edge and the World Productions team have excelled themselves with a brand new mystery and setting which will give Vigil's millions of fans even more of the brilliant, blockbuster drama they've come to expect and love from this very special show."

Writer Tom Edge also added: "I'm delighted that Suranne and Rose are returning for a new adventure. In our third season we travel to the frozen north where the world's great powers are competing to secure advantages as the ice melts. With a brilliant cast and crew assembling to make the show, we hope to deliver an epic investigation that shines a light on issues that will shape the world we all live in."

Vigil first look photos:

A series of first look photos from the third instalment were released on 11th February 2026, giving fans a first look at DCI Amy Silva and DI Kirsten Longacre's mission in the Arctic.

The images also include returning cast Gary Lewis (DS Robertson) and Dominic Mafham (Sir Ian Downing), as well as some of the new cast for series three including Jeppe Beck Laursen, Steven Miller, Naomi Yang, Benjamin Wainwright, Tornike Gogrichiani and Danusia Samal.

Check them out below:

READ MORE: Trailer and first look pics released for Trigger Point series 4

Who is in the cast?

Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie will return as DCI Amy Silva and DI Kirsten Longacre.

Suranne said of her return: "I can't wait to return to Vigil series three, see our brilliant team in Scotland and work with Rose again. I'm sure it will be a thrill of a ride."

Rose added: "I can’t wait to get stuck into another season of Vigil, to work with the wonderful Suranne Jones again and our brilliant crew. And this time, Kirsten will get to pack her bags and join Amy on what's set to be Vigil's most high-stakes mission yet!"

On Monday 29th September, it was announced that Gary Lewis will return to reprise his role as Detective Superintendent Robertson, who has appeared across all series of Vigil so far. Dominic Mafham also returns as Sir Ian Downing and Orla Russell returns as Poppy, Amy and Kirsten’s daughter.

The new cast for the third series includes Jeppe Beck Laursen, Tornike Gogrichiani, Steven Miller, Benjamin Wainwright, Artur Zai Barrera, Jordan Duvigneau, Kaisa Hammarlund, Adam Fidusiewicz, Naomi Yang, Eric Godon, Conor Berry, Amy Manson, Jason Tobin, Steven Cree, Killian Coyle, Derek Riddell, Alma Prelec, Dawn Sievewright and Shereen Cutkelvin.

How many episodes?

Just like the first two series, the third series will be made up of 6x60-minute episodes.

Where was it filmed?

Although no exact filming locations have been revealed, bosses confirmed on Monday 29th September 2025 that filming had started in Scotland. It was later revealed that some scenes were recorded in Svalbard.

Writer Tom Edge said: “I'm grateful to the BBC and World Productions for backing the ambition of a story that takes Vigil to the Arctic. This series grapples with the issues that will define tomorrow's world: melting ice caps, conflict over resources, energy wars, and lives put at risk in pursuit of peace and profits.”

Jake Lushington, executive producer for World Productions, added: “We are thrilled to be kicking off filming series three of Vigil with Suranne and Rose in the epic arctic landscapes of Svalbard and welcome our most multinational cast to date, as well as featuring new and established Scottish talent.”

How can I watch previous series?

Series one and two of Vigil are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.

From the makers of Line of Duty and Bodyguard, Vigil first hit our screens back in August 2021, as Suranne Jones' character was sent onboard HMS Vigil, a ballistic missile submarine of the Royal Navy, to investigate a murder on board. Also starring Martin Compston, Gary Lewis and Adam James, series one left viewers hooked.

The show was then renewed for a second series, which aired in December 2023, this time following characters Amy Silva and Kirsten Longacre being tasked to uncover the cause of multiple fatalities at a Scottish military facility.