It’s been two whole years since Sarah Lancashire was last on our screens, which is far too long in our opinion. Fortunately, however, she’s about to make up for it in pretty spectacular fashion. The 61-year-old actress is returning to our screens with a bigger role in the second series of Netflix’s megahit spy thriller Black Doves – and it’s set to be her best performance since Happy Valley (wait until you hear the details).
If you’re not familiar with story, series 1 introduced us to Helen Webb (Keira Knightley), a professional spy who had been passing on her politician husband’s secrets to an organisation known as the Black Doves. Sarah played her spymaster Reed and while we saw a very cool, calm and collected version of her character in series 1, things are about to get a little more (that’s an understatement) testing as she’s about to face a major threat to her standing in the organisation.
Ahead of Black Doves’ return to our screens, here’s everything you need to know about the second instalment – and why Sarah Lancashire is set to be the star of the show.
What is Black Doves about?
Stefania Rosini/Netflix
Created by Joe Barton (The Lazarus Project) and set in the high-octane world of spies and assassins, the series follows Helen Webb (Keira Knightley), a quick-witted, dedicated wife, mother and professional spy. For the past 10 years, she’s been passing on her politician husband’s secrets to the shadowy organisation she works for known as the Black Doves.
When her secret lover Jason (Andrew Koji) is assassinated, however, it seems her cover has been blown, and her spymaster, the enigmatic Reed (Sarah Lancashire), calls in Helen’s old friend Sam (Ben Whishaw) to keep her safe. While Sam is a suave, Champagne-drinking assassin, he’s been of the game since a failed job had disastrous consequences and he’s come home to a London that appears to have moved on without him.
Stefania Rosini/Netflix
With his past threatening to catch up with him, he must protect Helen as she investigates who killed Jason and what their motive was and, as you’ve probably, guessed by now, there’s far more to the story than meets the eye. Together the pair uncover a vast, interconnected conspiracy linking the murky London underworld to a looming geopolitical crisis.
No spoilers, but series 1 certainly ended with plenty of drama – and a lot of unfinished business. Sam was left with a huge target on his back thanks to taking extreme measures to protect Helen. In one of the final scenes, we also saw Reed relaxing in her penthouse apartment sharing a festive tipple with Helen and Wallace’s nanny, suggesting she’s only too willing to betray Helen’s trust.
What will happen in Black Doves series 2? 
Netflix
Series 2 will see Keira Knightley step back into the shoes of Helen Webb and she’s still betraying her nation’s secrets to the Black Doves. Now, however, her husband, Wallace, is preparing to become Prime Minister, which means she’s walking a more dangerous path than ever.
Thankfully, Helen is also reunited with her best friend, Sam, who’s now reduced to lonely drinks in Soho bars and low-rate hits. Netflix’s official synopsis continues: “As they search for answers, loyalties are weaponized, trust is shattered, and the fight to protect the people they love could cost everything.”
Netflix
Netflix has also shared that Helen and Sam’s mission will lead them back to old friends and enemies, through the dark decisions and painful sacrifices of their pasts – and right to the heart of the Black Doves.
Writer, creator, and executive producer Joe Barton told Netflix of the new instalment: “I couldn’t be more excited to delve back into the world of our murderous little spy family. To have so many [members] of our amazing cast returning and also being able to add some of my absolute favourite actors into the mix is such a great joy. Downing Street will never be the same.”
What will happen to Sarah Lancashire’s character in Black Doves series 2? 
Stefania Rosini/Netflix
We’re pleased to report that Sarah Lancashire will play a bigger role in series 2 as Reed finds herself ensnared in a ruthless plot to undermine her position in the Black Doves. We also know that Babou Ceesay will join the cast Mr. Conteh, a Black Doves executive with questionable motivations and our guess is that he’s going to play a crucial role in things.
The series 1 finale also set Reed up for a big part in the second instalment thanks to another plot detail. You might remember that series 1 ended with Reed having a glass of fizz with Helen and Wallace’s nanny Marie, who had in fact been spying on them the whole time. The question is, what exactly are they plotting? And who really has Reed’s loyalty?
Netflix
In an interview with GQ, writer Joe Barton said of Reed and Helen’s relationship: “I think with Reed and Helen’s relationship it’s always, do they actually like each other a little bit or are they completely pragmatic? Reed genuinely would have her killed. I think she almost does with Dani [the other spy that tries to usurp Helen].
“You get the sense that she’s really ruthless, but also there is a part of her that really likes Helen. Pragmatically, she knows that her husband is going to become Prime Minister and she’s going to be in a much better position to steal more important secrets.”
Who else is in the cast of Black Doves series 2?
Ludovic Robert/Netflix
The returning cast of Black Doves series 2 includes:
Keira Knightley (The Woman in Cabin 10) as HelenBen Whishaw (This is Going to Hurt) as SamSarah Lancashire (Happy Valley) as Reed Andrew Buchan (Broadchurch) as WallaceKathryn Hunter (Ladies First) as LennyElla Lily Hyland (Towards Zero) as WilliamsGabrielle Creevy (The Guest) as EleanorAgnes O’Casey (Star City) as DaniMolly Chesworth (Call the Midwife) as Marie
They will also be joined by the following new cast members:
Ambika Mod (One Day) as Laila, an acerbic and anarchic Black Doves agent sent to help Helen on a missionSam Riley (Firebrand) as Patrick, an emissary from a mysterious organisation who offers Sam a lifelineBabou Ceesay (Alien: Earth) as Mr. Conteh, a Black Doves executive with suspicious motivationsSylvia Hoeks (Blade Runner 2049) as Katia ChernovNeve Campbell (The Lincoln Lawyer) as Cecile MasonGoran Kostic (Ant-Man and the Wasp) as Alexi ChernovSamuel Barnett (Lee) as JerryHow can I watch Black Doves series 2?
While Netflix hasn’t yet confirmed an official release date for Black Doves series 2, we know that it will air towards the end of 2026. As soon as we have a confirmed date, we’ll update you here. In the meantime, you can catch up on Black Doves series 1 on Netflix.
What other Sarah Lancashire dramas can I watch now?
ITV/Shutterstock
If you haven’t yet seen Sarah Lancashire’s performance in Rose and Maloney, we’d recommend catching up. The series features the perfect blend of Sarah, who plays Rose Linden, and Phil Davis, who plays Marion Maloney, as a superstar detective duo who take on claims of miscarriages of justice. You can watch Rose and Maloney now on Prime Video. For a series rooted in real-life, it’s worth giving Julia a go. The drama tells the story of trailblazing chef Julia Child (played by Sarah) who made food TV (think Nigella Bites and The Naked Chef) a thing. Julia is available to watch now on Apple TV.