Everything you need to know about Jamie Dornan's gripping drama The Tourist

Both series one and two are available to stream now!

Author: Alex RossPublished 8th Sep 2024

BBC drama The Tourist has been a huge hit with telly fans – bringing us all the edge-of-the-seat action our evenings just can’t live without. And now with two seasons under its belt, viewers are already crying out for a third.

Thankfully that’s not unrealistic, with lead actor, Jamie Dornan, calling the final episode of season two “open-ended”. But if you’re yet to get stuck into the popular series, here’s a little run-down on what it’s all about.

What is The Tourist?

Series one of The Tourist is a six-part thriller drama which aired on BBC One in 2022. The plot follows a Northern Irish man, played by actor Jamie Dornan, suffering from amnesia following a car accident in the Australian outback.

An epic cat-and-mouse chase unfolds, and Jamie's character later wakes in hospital, hurt, but somehow alive. Except he has no idea who he is. Full of shocking, surprising, funny and brutal turns, The Tourist is set in a world populated by quirky, enigmatic characters and off-beat comedy punctuates high-stakes action.

Before the first season was filmed, Jamie Dornan said of the script: “The Tourist are some of the most exciting scripts I’ve ever read. I can’t wait to go to Australia with such a talented group of people.”

The hit series was written by Harry Williams and Jack Williams, famed for other popular shows such as The Missing and Angela Black.

Is there a second series of The Tourist?

There sure is! Bosses confirmed the show has been renewed for a second series in 2022, with filming taking place in 2023.

In August 2023, bosses released four first look images, getting fans very excited. You can check them out below.

The Tourist series 2


The Tourist series 2


The Tourist series 2


The Tourist series 2


The Tourist series 2


The Tourist series 2


The Tourist series 2


The Tourist series 2


The Tourist series 2


The Tourist series 2


The Tourist series 2


The Tourist series 2


The Tourist series 2


The Tourist series 2


The Tourist series 2


The Tourist series 2


The Tourist series 2


When did series two come out?

Bosses confirmed in December 2023 that the second series would begin on New Year's Day 2024!

On Friday 8th December, bosses released the trailer for the new series, with the caption: 'Home is where the hurt is. Get ready for a BRAND-NEW series of #TheTourist, coming to @bbciplayer from 1 Jan'. (sic)

The cryptic caption referred to the fact the second series was filmed in Ireland.

What channel is The Tourist on?

The Tourist series one aired on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with series two following the same pattern.

When was The Tourist on TV?

Series one of The Tourist first hit our screens on 1st January 2022, with six weekly episodes.

Series two landed two years later, on 1st January 2024.

How can I watch The Tourist?

Fans can watch series one and two of The Tourist on the BBC iPlayer now.

Who is in The Tourist?

As well as landing Fifty Shades actor Jamie Dornan as the main character The Man, The Tourist series one also featured Line of Duty's Shalom Brune-Franklin, and popular Icelandic actor Ólafur Darri Ólafsson.

Check out the full cast of The Tourist series one below:

Jamie Dornan as The Man/Elliot Stanley

Jamie Dornan, a Northern Irish actor, rose to fame when he scored a leading role in the popular film Fifty Shades of Grey. Going on to feature in the rest of the film series, Jamie has also appeared in a number of successful TV series and films, such as The Fall, A Private War, New Worlds and Once Upon a Time. It comes as no surprise that the actor has received two Irish Film and Television Awards, on top of BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations.


In The Tourist, Jamie plays the role of The Man, aka Elliot Stanley - the victim of a car crash, which subsequently leads to him waking up in hospital with amnesia, forgetting his entire identity.

Shalom Brune-Franklin as Luci Miller

An English-Australian actress, you may recognise Shalom Brune-Franklin as Private Maisie Richards from BBC's Our Girl, or DC Chloe Bishop from BBC's Line of Duty. She has also featured in British drama The State, as well as Australian series Doctor Doctor. Shalom has also appeared in multiple theatre performances, landing roles in plays from 2014-2016.


In The Tourist, Shalom plays the role of Luci - a waitress who we meet in the show's explosive opening, as she ushers The Man out of a café just before a bomb goes off. Luci also plays a crucial role in the storyline, as she admits that she knows who The Man is - revealing his identity as Elliott Stanley.

Danielle Macdonald as Helen Chambers

Danielle Macdonald is an Australian actress, famed for her leading roles in the films Patti Cake$, and Dumplin', alongside Jennifer Anniston. She has also featured in huge projects such as Bird Box, with Sandra Bullock, and Netflix's Unbelievable.


Danielle plays the role of probationary constable Helen Chambers in The Tourist. Set with the task of investigating the mystery man who doesn't remember his identity (The Man), Helen is sadly subjected to controlling behaviour by her cruel fiancé, Ethan.

Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Billy Nixon

Ólafur Darri Ólafsson is an Icelandic-American actor, as well as producer and screenwriter. He has featured in a whole host of hit TV shows and films, including the likes of Trapped, The Deep, The Minister, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Fantastic Beasts and Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (to name a few). He even appeared in a music video for Of Monsters and Men in 2016, lip syncing the lyrics to 'Winter Sound'. It comes as no surprise that Ólafur has therefore picked up his fair share of awards and nominations over the years.


Appearing in The Tourist, Ólafur plays the role of Billy - a mysterious American who lives in the Outback, who attempts to visit The Man while he is in hospital.

Damon Herriman as Detective Inspector Lachlan Rogers

Damon is an Australian actor, famed for TV shows such as Justified, Secret City and Quarry, as well as for his portrayal of Charles Manson in Mindhunter Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Damon has also appeared in multiple music videos, as well as an episode of the hit show Breaking Bad.


In The Tourist, Damon plays the role of highly-respected DI Lachlan Rogers, who is the head of Major Crime for the state police involved in the mysterious case of The Man's identity. Also a loyal family man, Lachlan's devotion to his wife and children shine through in his decision making.

Alex Dimitriades as Kostas

Alex Dimitriades is an Australian actor, known for films such as Head On, Ghost Ship and Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo. He has also appeared in television series such as The End, Amazing Grace, Heartbreak High and Total Control. No stranger to a BBC One drama, he also appeared in The Cry.


Alex plays the role of Kostas in The Tourist - another mysterious figure in the puzzle that is The Man's true identity. In an unknown way, Kostas appears to be connected to The Man and his accident.

Greg Larsen as Ethan Krum

Greg Larsen rose to fame as the co-creator and director of the sketch comedy series Fancy Boy. A talented writer and performer, he has worked on and appeared in shows such as Get Krack!n, At Home Alone Together, Hug the Sun and We Interrupt This Broadcast.


Greg plays the role of Ethan Krum in The Tourist - Helen's fiancée. Showing controlling and disrespectful behaviour towards Helen, often commenting on her appearance and career, Ethan has been branded the 'true villain' of the show by fans.

Genevieve Lemon as Sue

Genevieve Lemon is known for her roles in shows such as Neighbours, Prisoner, The Young Doctors and Home and Away. She has also appeared in numerous films, including The Piano, Suburban Mayhem and The Power of the Dog.


Her role in The Tourist is Sue - a local woman who allows The Man to stay at her home, which she shares with her husband, as he tries to learn about his forgotten identity.

Danny Adcock as Ralph

Danny Adcock is an Australian actor, known for his many roles in TV, film and theatre. Perhaps best known for his work in shows such as Patrol Boat, Arcade, Prisoner and Home and Away, Danny has also appeared in theatre productions such as The Removalists and A Picasso.


Playing the role of Ralph in The Tourist, Danny's character is the husband of Sue.

Kamil Ellis as Sergeant Rodney Lammon

Kamil Ellis is an Australian actor, known for his roles on TV shows such as Nowhere Boys, Cleverman. The actor has also appeared in shows such as Bushwhacked!, and SeaChange, and following his role in The Tourist starred in Aussie drama series More Than This.


In The Tourist, Kamil plays the role of Sergeant Rodney Lammon - a police officer who, under the instruction of Detective Inspector Lachlan Rogers, is working on The Man's case.

Conor MacNeill

Joining the cast for The Tourist series two is Conor MacNeill, as Detective Ruairi Slater.

Connor is an actor and writer from Northern Island, known for TV series such as Industry, No Offence and The Fall, alongside The Tourist co-star Jamie Dornan.

Olwen Fouéré

Olwen Fouéré also joins the cast for series two, playing Niamh Cassidy.

Olwen is an an award-winning Irish actress and writer/director in theatre, film and visual art. She's known for films such as Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Mandy, The Survivalist and The Northman. She also appeared in an episode of Derry Girls!

Diarmaid Murtagh

Another addition to the series two cast Diarmaid Murtagh, who plays Donal McDonnell.

A fellow Irish actor, Diarmaid is known for films and TV series such as Outlander, Dracula Untold, The Monuments Men, Sons of Liberty and hit show Vikings.

Francis Magee

Francis Magee will also feature in the second series of The Tourist, playing Frank McDonnell.

Francis is known for his roles in TV shows such as EastEnders, Peep Show, No Angels and City of Vice. He has also appeared in films such as Layer Cake, with Daniel Craig, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Zack Snyder's Justice League.

Mark McKenna

Mark McKenna will also join the series two cast, as Fergal McDonnell.

Mark is an Irish actor, most known for his role in hit show One Of Us Is Lying, as well as other Amazon Prime's Wayne. He has also featured in films such as Sing Street and Overlord.

Nessa Matthews

And playing Orla McDonnell is Nessa Matthews.

Nessa has appeared in titles such as Inspektor Jury: Der Tod des Harlekins, HEN and short film Neon.

Jamie Dornan, Greg Larsen and Danielle Macdonald reprise their roles for series two, with Conor MacNeill, Olwen Fouéré, Francis Magee, Mark McKenna, Diarmaid Murtagh, and Nessa Matthews also joining the cast.

Speaking ahead of the show's return, Jamie said: "I’m incredibly excited to continue the story with The Tourist. Harry and Jack Williams are brilliant writers, and I can’t wait for audiences to see how well Ireland and its characters are utilised to keep them guessing as the tale progresses…"

Actress Danielle Macdonald, who plays the role of Helen in the show, also returns as series two sees the pair travel to Ireland to discover Elliot's family history.

She said: "I’m so excited to team up with Jamie again and return for another wild adventure with an amazing cast and crew. Jack and Harry Williams are brilliant story tellers and it’s exciting to see what their minds will come up with next.”

Where was The Tourist filmed?

Series one of The Tourist was filmed out in Australia, with filming locations in Adelaide, Murray Bridge and Flinders Ranges. A number of scenes also took place at Adelaide Studios.

In series two, the show moved to Dublin, Ireland.

Check out all of the TV crime dramas available to binge watch on Freeview play:

Mr Bates vs The Post Office (ITVX and STV Player)

Arriving in early 2024, Mr Bates vs The Post Office is a four-part series based on the real-life story of postmaster Alan Bates, who led the campaign to expose what is considered the most widespread miscarriage of justice in British history. Toby Jones, Katherine Kelly, Will Mellor, and Julie Hesmondhalgh all appear.

Joan (ITVX and STV Player)

Six-part drama Joan was written by Anna Symon and is set against the vibrant and aspirational backdrop of 1980s London. Inspired by the real Joan Hannington and certain events from her life, this exhilarating and emotional drama unravels the life of a 'MOTHER. LOVER. LIAR. THIEF', played by actress Sophie Turner.


All six episodes are now available on ITVX and STV Player.

Red Eye (ITVX and STV Player)

Starring Richard Armitage and Jing Lusi, ITV/STV's adrenaline-filled drama Red Eye is set on an overnight flight from London to Beijing and the corridors of power within Whitehall. Fans were quick to binge the six-part drama when it aired in April 2024. The series how now been renewed for a second series, set to air in 2025.

Kin (BBC iPlayer)

Series one of Irish drama Kin landed on BBC iPlayer in 2023 and viewers have been hooked since! Starring Charlie Cox, Clare Dunne and Emmett J. Scanlan, the drama tells the story of a fictional Dublin family embroiled in gangland war and speaks to the enduring unbreakable bonds of blood and family. Series two is also now available on BBC iPlayer.

Vigil (BBC iPlayer)

It was the BBC's most-watched new drama of 2021, so you don't want to miss out on Vigil, starring Suranne Jones and Martin Compston. Series two was released in December 2023, with all episodes now available to binge.

Until I Kill You (ITVX and STV Player)

Starring Anna Maxwell Martin, Until I Kill You is based on the extraordinary true story of Delia Balmer, who survived a near-fatal relationship with serial killer John Sweeney. The four-part drama started in November 2024, with all episodes now available on ITVX and STV Player.

Nightsleeper (BBC iPlayer)

Starring Joe Cole and Alexandra Roach, Nightsleeper is a six-part thiller Nightsleeper follows a 'hackjacked' train which is being driven through one single night from Glasgow to London. All episodes are available on BBC iPlayer now.

Love & Death (ITVX and STV Player)

Starring Elizabeth Olsen and Jesse Plemons, Love & Death is a mini-series which follows the real-life story of the murder case surrounding Candy Montgomery, who killed her friend Betty Gore, following an affair with her husband Allan.

The Tourist (BBC iPlayer)

Viewers were hooked on BBC series The Tourist in early 2022, starring Northern Irish actor Jamie Dornan. Series two landed on New Year's Day in 2024, with all episode available to binge now.

After the Flood (ITVX and STV Player)

Landing on ITV/STV in the first few weeks of January 2024, After the Flood stars Peaky Blinders actress Sophie Rundle as PC Joanna Marshall. The six-part series follows Joanna leading an investigation after she finds an identified man dead in a lift in a underground car park after a devastating flood.

Trigger Point (ITVX and STV Player)

Vicky McClure plays the role of EXPO officer Lana Washington in high octane drama Trigger Point. All six episodes from series one are available to watch now, with series two also now out on ITVX and STV Player. In October 2024, news was announced that the show has been commissioned for a third series, with filming due to take place in 2025.

Blue Lights (BBC iPlayer)

Set and filmed in Northern Ireland, Blue Lights follows three rookie police officers working in Belfast. All episodes of series one are available to stream, as is series two which was released in April 2024.The show will return for a third and fourth series.

The Wives (Channel 5)

The Wives is a six-part whodunnit style drama which aired on Channel 5 in mid-September 2024, with a star-studded cast including Jo Joyner, Tamzin Outhwaite, and Angela Griffin. All episodes are available to stream now on My 5.

The Fall (BBC iPlayer)

Despite originally airing in 2013, The Fall, starring Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan, became a big hit again during lockdown in 2020, and now all three series of the hit show are available to binge on the BBC iPlayer.

The Teacher (Channel 5)

After series aired in 2022, featuring Sheridan Smith, series two of Channel 5 drama The Teacher aired in September 2024. Series two features Will Mellor, Kara Tointon and Emmett J. Scanlan. All episodes from both series are available on My5 now.

The Long Shadow (ITVX and STV Player)

The Long Shadow follows the five-year manhunt for the serial killer Peter Sutcliffe, commonly referred to as The Yorkshire Ripper. The seven-part drama stars the likes of Katherine Kelly, Charley Webb, Mark Stobbart, Liz White and Toby Jones.

Inside Man (BBC iPlayer)

Starring David Tennant and Stanley Tucci, BBC drama Inside Man has left viewers on the edge of their seats with lots of twists and turns.

The Suspect (ITVX and STV Player)

Aidan Turner stars clinical psychologist Dr Joe O'Loughlin in ITV/STV drama The Suspect.

The Capture (BBC iPlayer)

After series one aired in 2019, the BBC released series two of hit drama The Capture in 2022, featuring Holliday Grainger, Ron Perlman and Lia Williams.


You can watch both series now on BBC iPlayer.

Karen Pirie (ITVX and STV Player)

Debuting in early September, drama Karen Pirie has been a massive hit with fans, as Karen and her team must overcome the judgement of her superiors and find the culprit in time.

Crossfire (BBC iPlayer)

Keeley Hawes stars in BBC drama Crossfire which sees a holiday turn from heaven to hell with a gunshot - and the consequences will linger long after the final bullets are fired.

The Responder (BBC iPlayer)

The drama follows Martin Freeman's character, a night-shift copper under stress in Liverpool, as he pairs up with the local rookie. Series one dropped in 2022, with series two landing in 2024.


All episodes are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Happy Valley (BBC iPlayer)

Now the third and final series has come to an end, you can watch series one-three on the BBC iPlayer now.

Manhunt: The Night Stalker (ITVX and STV Player)

Martin Clunes plays the role of Detective Chief Inspector Colin Sutton as he portrays the real-life investigation into the serial burglar and rapist who terrorised South London for 17 years.

Time (BBC iPlayer)

Originally airing on the BBC in June 2021, fans were loving this drama featuring Sean Bean and Stephen Graham. In 2023, a second series landed, this time taking place in an all-female prison, starring Jodie Whittaker, Bella Ramsay, and Siobhan Finneran.


All episodes from both series are now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Marcella (ITVX and STV Player)

Following the cliffhanger ending to series three of ITV's hit drama Marcella, fans are crying out for a fourth series. Although nothing has been confirmed just yet, you can re-watch series three on ITVX/STV Player.

Coma (Channel 5)

Hitting our screens in March 2024, Coma is a four-part thriller which concerns a family man whose life is changed after making one split-second decision. Jason Watkins and Claire Skinner star in the series.

Deadwater Fell (All4)

Channel 4 delighted us with dark crime thriller Deadwater Fell in 2020, starring David Tennant, Cush Jumbo, Matthew McNulty and Anna Madeley. Series one is available to watch on All4.

The Bay (ITVX and STV Player)

There's so far been four successful series of The Bay! All episodes are now available on ITVX and STV Player.

Bloodlands (BBC iPlayer)

Created by Line of Duty writer Jed Mercurio and starring Northern Irish actor James Nesbitt, Bloodlands was a big hit at the start of 2021. All episodes from series one are available on the BBC iPlayer now.

The Missing (BBC iPlayer)

Another hit crime drama by the talented brothers Harry and Jack Williams. The Missing first aired in 2014, with series 2 landing two years later. Despite both series following different stories, a number of characters remain the same, including Tchéky Karyo as investigator Julien Baptiste. Both series are now available on the BBC iPlayer.

Luther (BBC iPlayer)

As we wait for any more series of hit crime drama Luther, re-watch all six series with actor Idris Elba playing the role of DCI John Luther.

Unforgotten (ITVX and STV Player)

You can catch up on all five previous series of crime drama Unforgotten, before series six lands later in the year!

The Bridge (BBC iPlayer)

Originally released back in 2011 in Sweden and Denmark, all four series of The Bridge are now available on the BBC iPlayer.

The Pembrokeshire Murders (ITVX and STV Player)

Featuring popular actor Luke Evans as Detective Superintendent Steve Wilkins, this three-part miniseries based on the real life Pembrokeshire murders by Welsh serial killer John Cooper is available to watch now.

The Investigation (BBC iPlayer)

Originally from Denmark, series 1 of BBC drama The Investigation is based on the real-life murder case of Swedish journalist Kim Wall in 2017. All six episodes are available now on the BBC iPlayer.

Vera (ITVX and STV Player)

Fans catch catch Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera Stanhope in all 13 series.

Silent Witness (BBC iPlayer)

If you are looking for something to keep you going for a while, Silent Witness is certainly a good shout! A massive 23 series of the hit show are available to watch on the BBC iPlayer.

Line of Duty (BBC iPlayer)

If you fancy re-watching the previous series of Jed Mercurio's Line of Duty, you can binge series one-six on the BBC iPlayer now!

Better (BBC iPlayer)

Debuting on the BBC in February 2023, Leeds-based drama Better is 'a thrilling redemption story' featuring Leila Farzad as DCI Lou Slack, and Andrew Buchan as Col McHugh.

Litvinenko (ITVX and STV Player)

Starring David Tennant, this four-part ITVX/STV Player drama documents the story of the murder of Former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko.

Love Rat (Channel 5)

Sally Lindsay and Neil Morrissey appear in Channel 5 drama Love Rat, which first aired in March 2024. All four episodes are available to binge now.

Find out everything you need to know about series two of The Tourist right here.

Now read:

Jamie Dornan: 11 things you need to know

All of the TV shows we can’t wait to return

Original Gogglebox cast: Where are they now?

How to listen to Downtown Radio:

Tune into Northern Ireland's Home of Great Music, Downtown Radio on FM, AM, DAB Digital Radio, online, on our Rayo app and by asking your smart speaker to 'Play Downtown Radio'. Gary & Glen kick things off every weekday morning and Neal McClelland brings you home on Downtown Drive.