James Nesbitt confirms Bloodlands season 2 has started filming
We can’t wait! 🎬 🎥
Last updated 30th Aug 2022
James Nesbitt will reprise the lead role of DCI Tom Brannick in the second instalment of the record-breaking crime drama Bloodlands.
The gripping first episode aired in February 2021, and broke records overnight – it was watched by approximately 319,000 people in Northern Ireland alone.
Fans were left reeling after the explosive final episode, with many questions left unanswered. The BBC quickly reassured fans that the drama will return for a second series, and it’s just been announced that filming has already begun here in Northern Ireland.
The series is a cat-and-mouse thriller, following the hunt for legendary assassin ‘Goliath’.
Our friends at SPIN sat down with James Nesbitt to find out what we can expect from the second series. During their chat James confirmed that filming for season two includes two more episodes, so we will have six altogether.
On returning to filming, James said, “I start January 26th, I've read the first three scripts and I think they’re brilliant. I think it’s going to be better.”
Executive producer Jed Mercurio (creator of Line of Duty) shared his excitement for the return of this show. “We’re grateful for the outstanding support we’ve received from the BBC and Northern Ireland Screen and can’t wait to reward Bloodlands fans with another twisty case for Brannick and co.”
Director of BBC Drama Piers Wenger said he had been “overwhelmed” by the audience response to the series and that he was “thrilled” for its return.
“Chris’ scripts shine a light on tensions in Northern Ireland, both historic and present day,” he said.
“And it’s a testament to his skills as a dramatist, to a virtuoso performance from Jimmy Nesbitt and the care taken by all at HTM Television, that the series has been so beloved by audiences in Northern Ireland and throughout the UK.”
Set and filmed in Belfast, a variety of city landscapes and filming locations were used, from Queens University to Strangford Lough.
Did you recognise any of them?
Where is Bloodlands filmed?
Harland & Wolff, Titanic Quarter! Perhaps one of the most poignant landmarks in Belfast, there was no disguising the huge yellow cranes that tower over the capital city.
Queens University, Belfast
A touching scene between father and daughter, the red-brick archways and manicured lawns are synonymous with Queens University.
Strangford Lough
The detectives visited the shores of Strangford Lough in search of missing evidence, in the first episode.
When speaking on The Graham Norton Show on BBC, Nesbitt shared just how much fun it was to film here in Northern Ireland. "We were filming from January to March, and it was freezing. We were filming on Strangford Lough and when that wind comes up the Lough it is bitter. You're playing a hard-nosed detective, who is on the case of something that's of huge personal significance to him, you're going out on ribs on the Lough at 6 and 7 in the morning, and often we couldn't speak our jaws were frozen."
Kingspan Stadium, Belfast
Home to Ulster Rugby…who could miss the bright Friday night lights of the Kingspan? They managed to film this scene during the last match with a full crowd just before lockdown, the Ulstermen beat South Africa's Cheetahs that evening 20-10.
Strangford Harbour
An eery location on a cold winter's morning, perfect for any crime drama! If you've ever travelled on the Strangford to Portaferry ferry, you'll know the route well.
Ballyclare
It wouldn't be a Sunday night BBC thriller without an explosion or two! This particular scene was shot in Ballyclare, just 20 minutes from Nesbitt's hometown of Ballymena.
Rosemary Street Masonic Hall, Belfast
You might be wondering where the police station used in the series is, well that's actually a Masonic Hall. It's crazy what a couple of desks, computers, filing cabinets and posters can do to a space.
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