{"id":482887,"date":"2026-06-04T15:20:10","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T15:20:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/482887\/"},"modified":"2026-06-04T15:20:10","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T15:20:10","slug":"daniel-mays-bbc-detective-drama-with-unexpected-twists-gets-a-major-update-and-new-cast-confirmed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/482887\/","title":{"rendered":"Daniel Mays’ BBC detective drama with “unexpected twists” gets a major update and new cast confirmed"},"content":{"rendered":"

Daniel Mays has given a long-awaited update on the future of the popular BBC detective series<\/a> Lynley, which premiered in the UK earlier this year \u2013 and fans can get excited, because it looks like a second season may be closer than we thought. <\/p>\n

Sharing a picture of his character DCI Brian Nies on Instagram<\/a>, the actor confirmed that filming for the show’s return had been under way. “A glorious, whirlwind two weeks in the Emerald Isle shooting Season 2 of Lynley,” his caption read. <\/p>\n

Mays then went on to share love and thanks “to the amazing Irish crew, producers, directors and top actors for working so hard and for making this such a special show to work on”.<\/p>\n

\"daniel<\/p>\n

BBC<\/p>\n

Related: Best streaming services UK 2026 \u2013 including Disney Plus, Netflix, iPlayer and Apple TV<\/a><\/p>\n

The star also posted a series of set and behind the scenes snaps as part of the Instagram post, which featured Leo Suter, who stars as the titular Inspector Lynley, as well as Sofia Barclay, who plays his police partner DS Barbara Havers. <\/p>\n

Daniel Mays has also shouted out Deirdre Mullins, who is set to join the cast as Chief Superintendent Isabelle Ardery in season two. She has taken to Instagram<\/a> herself to talk about how “thrilled” she is to be involved in the detective series. The Line of Duty actor also name-checked Michael Work\u00e9y\u00e8, who is also among the returning cast. <\/p>\n

News of Lynley’s renewal was actually officially confirmed by Britbox<\/a> a little while ago, with a clapperboard highlighting the second season shared on the streaming service’s own Instagram page. “Exciting news out of the Three Counties,” the update read. “Lynley will be returning for Season 2, with production already underway!”<\/p>\n

Britbox also confirmed Mullins for the second instalment in its caption, while also announcing other new names, including Sara Stewart (Unforgotten, Grace), and Assad Zaman (Small Axe, Our Girl), that will be part of the brand-new series. <\/p>\n

Lynley was widely well-received when it first debuted in the UK earlier this year, and the show currently sits with an impressive 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Age (Australia) wrote: “As a case-of-the-week crime mystery, the 90-minute episodes in the BBC’s reboot of its 2000s mainstay The Inspector Lynley Mysteries are efficiently paced and structurally sound; there’s genuine detective work required.”<\/p>\n

\"daniel<\/p>\n

BBC<\/p>\n

Related: Jason Statham’s “suspenseful” British crime thriller with Daniel Mays lands new UK streaming home<\/a> <\/p>\n

“Showrunner Steve Thompson adds enough red herrings and unexpected twists to make each case a compelling watch,” read a review from The Upcoming, however the publication also referenced what it called “a lack of thematic depth and an array of underwhelming performances” in an “otherwise enjoyable drama”.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile another review (via Pajiba) said: “The series’ quiet trick: it feels ordinary on the surface, yet it’s elevated by sharp writing, elegant plotting, and a cast that makes the whole thing click.”<\/p>\n

“From start to finish, everything about BritBox’s Lynley Season 1 feels both fresh and familiar. Gritty and honest, yet surprisingly tender and cozy,” read another review (via Lady Geeks Media). <\/p>\n

Lynley fans will no doubt be waiting desperately for more episodes. <\/p>\n

Lynley season 1 is available on BBC iPlayer in the UK, and a second season is on the way. <\/p>\n

Visit our Streaming Guide<\/a> now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.<\/p>\n

The new edition of Living Legends, a collector’s edition exploring the royal family, is here! Buy The Royals in newsagents or online<\/a>.
<\/p>\n

\"Headshot<\/p>\n

TV Editor, Digital Spy<\/a> Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. \u00a0Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV<\/a> desk at the UK’s biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. \u00a0As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world’s oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).\u00a0<\/p>\n

linkedIn<\/a>
\u00a0<\/p>\n