Sophie Rundle’s Jo Marshall is back on the scene to solver a new mystery in Waterside

Fans will be glued to their screens following the first series’ cliffhanger(Image: ITV)

After the Flood is back on ITV for its second series, but what’s it about, who’s in the cast and how did the first season end?

Premiering at the beginning of 2024, fans have had to endure a two year wait to find out what happens to Sophie Rundle’s Jo Marshall following a cliffhanger that rocked her world. Sunday night (January 18) will finally provide fans with the answers they’ve been seeking.

With lots of fan favourite characters back in the mix, Sophie will be acting alongside former Coronation Street and EastEnders star Jill Halfpenny as new mysteries begin to crop up. It looks like the people of Waterside are in for another eventful period.

What is After the Flood series 2 about?

The new season begins with newly promoted detective Jo Marshall on the trail of a baffling new murder investigation. Helping her out on the quest is her new partner, DS Sam Bradley, played by Jill.

With tensions rising amid the threat of moorland fires and the subsequent risk of further flooding, a body is discovered in bizarre circumstances. Series 2 was filmed across Greater Manchester last year.

Fans have had to wait two years for After the Flood series 2(Image: ITV)

Its synopsis reads: “Jo’s race to stop the killer brings her into direct conflict with powerful and influential forces within the town, ultimately drawing her into an investigation that becomes deeply personal.

“One that will require her to operate in secret if she is to have any hope of rooting out the corruption that has blighted the town’s police force – and her own family – for decades.”

After the Flood series 2’s full castJo Marshall – Sophie RundleDS Sam Bradley – Jill HalfpennyMolly Marshal – Lorraine AshbourneSergeant Phil Mackie – Nicholas GleavesJack Radcliffe – Philip GlenisterPat Holman – Matt StokoeAlan Benson – Alun ArmstrongTony Rower – Ian Puleston-DavieXav Palmer – Matthew McNultyDCI Balsara – Anil DesaiHarriet Benson – Steph De WhalleyLayal – Nathalie ArminFraser Tempest – Tony MarshallGeoff Dixon – Roger MorlidgeDeclan Rower – Oliver NelsonDonna Rower – Jenny PlattIzza – Lola BrownKelly Kamali – Faye McKeeverKeith Kamali – George BukhariSophie Kamali – Maui ConnockPC Deepa Das – Tripti TripuraneniDS Baba – Heider AliFinn – Leo FlanaganSarah Mackie – Jacqueline BoatswainHow did After the Flood series 1 end?

The first season concluded with the shocking reveal that police sergeant Phil Mackie had not only been taking illegal payments on the job, but was actually the person who killed Daniel, whose body was found in the first episode.

After Daniel made comments about his wife Sarah’s affair with Jack, Phil hit Daniel with a plank of wood. Jo discovered this from Lee, who died in the road accident which brought forward the birth of her daughter Evie, as well as the truth about Chris’ death.

Wasting no time, Jo confronted Phil about what really happened to Daniel. The sleazy police sergeant then dismissed her claims due to her not having evidence and that calling him out would be ‘pressing the self destruction button’ as he ‘documented every misdemeanour and wrong step’ she made.

Threatening to place her brother Pat in prison, Phil told Jo to enjoy the rest of her life before leaving the hospital as friends were left wondering what happened next. Thankfully, they’re about to get all the answers.

After the Flood series 2 begins on Saturday, January 18, at 9pm on ITV1 and on ITVX