ITV’s After the Flood is back for a second series with a star-studded cast including Sophie Rundle and Jill Halfpenny
Olivia Wheeler Content Editor Screen Time
17:20, 18 Jan 2026
Sophie Rundle as Jo Marshall(Image: ITV)
The second series of After the Flood is set to return with a cast that includes familiar faces from hit shows like Peaky Blinders and Bridgerton.
The inaugural series centred around an unidentified man found dead in an underground car park following a catastrophic flood, with PC Jo Marshall, portrayed by Sophie Rundle, tasked with uncovering the truth behind his death, leading to startling revelations.
In the upcoming series, we follow newly promoted detective Jo as she delves into a baffling murder case. As the town of Waterside teeters on the edge of disaster due to the imminent threat of moorland fires and potential flooding, a body is discovered under peculiar circumstances.
After the Flood features an impressive cast of familiar faces(Image: ITV)
Jo’s pursuit of the murderer puts her at odds with the town’s influential figures, leading her into an investigation that becomes deeply personal.
To expose the corruption that has tainted the town’s police force – and her own family – for years, she’ll need to conduct her investigation covertly, reports the Mirror.
But who are the new and returning familiar faces featuring in series two? Let’s have a look…
Sophie Rundle – Jo Marshall
After the Flood is back for series two and it boasts a star-studded cast(Image: ITV)
Sophie, 37, takes the lead role in After the Flood as Jo Marshall. Audiences may recognise her from a variety of TV programmes such as ITV’s miniseries Titanic, Merlin, The Bletchley Circle, guest appearances in Call the Midwife, Happy Valley, and Brief Encounters.
Her most significant role was in 2013 when she secured the part of Ada Shelby in BBC’s historical drama series Peaky Blinders, where she featured in all six series until 2022. In the show, Sophie shared screen time with Cillian Murphy, who portrayed her character’s brother and infamous gang leader, Tommy Shelby.
Sophie also appeared in Sky One’s Jamestown as Alice Kett and a year later, she played Vicky Budd in BBC’s thriller Bodyguard, alongside Keeley Hawes and Richard Madden. Fans of Gentleman Jack will remember Sophie for her portrayal of Ann Walker, while viewers of the 2020 surrogacy drama series The Nest will recognise her as Emily.
Jill Halfpenny – DS Sam Bradley
Jill Halfpenny, 50, is joining After the Flood for series two as DS Sam Bradley(Image: ITV)
Jill Halfpenny, 50, is set to join After the Flood for its second series as DS Sam Bradley. Jill first rose to prominence playing Nicola Dobson in Byker Grove in 1989.
She later secured roles in Coronation Street as Rebecca Hopkins in 1999 and subsequently EastEnders as Kate Mitchell in 2002.
Other roles include Izzie Redpath in Waterloo Road, Emma in Mount Pleasant, Fiona in Wild at Heart, Diane Manning in In The Club, Julie Winshaw in Three Girls, Jennifer in Liar, Jodie Walsh in The Drowning, Roisin in Everything I Know About Love, Doreen Hill in The Long Shadow, Emma Bartlett in The Feud and Eve Riser in Girl Taken.
Nicholas Gleaves – DS Phil Mackie
Nicholas Gleave, 57, is known for his role as Sergeant Phil Mackie(Image: ITV)
Nicholas Gleaves, 57, is recognised for his portrayal of Sergeant Phil Mackie, the boss and father figure to Jo in the series, but his character harbours a dark secret. Nick, as he’s affectionately known, has built a successful career since his television debut in 1993, playing Carl in Boon.
Over the years, he’s accumulated an impressive array of roles, with appearances in Casualty, The Bill, Faith and Soldier, Soldier. In 1997, he took on the role of PC Rudy Whiteside in Wokenwell, before landing the part of Rick Powell in the popular series Playing the Field, which also starred his wife Lesley Sharp.
His other television credits include Eddie in Being April, Duncan in The Queen’s Nose, and Ray Fairburn in Conviction. He’s also remembered for his roles as DS Gary Tate in City Lights, Tom Bedford in The Chase, Oliver in Murderland, James Whitaker in Survivors, and Richard Whitman in Waterloo Road.
In 2011, Nick joined the cast of Scott and Bailey as DS Andy Roper, sharing the screen with his real-life spouse once more. He continued to secure smaller parts in Cold Feet, Death in Paradise, The Split, and Midsomer Murders, before being cast as Roger Penhaligon in Bodyguard.
Soap fans will recall his time on Coronation Street, where he played Duncan Radfield from 2018 to 2019. His filmography also includes Spider-Man: Far From Home and a depiction of John Birt, the former director general of the BBC, in Netflix’s The Crown in 2022.
Philip Glenister – Jack Radcliffe
Audiences will recognise Phillip Glenister, 62, who takes on the role of property developer Jack Radcliffe(Image: ITV)
Viewers will recognise Philip Glenister, 62, who steps into the shoes of property developer Jack Radcliffe, from his illustrious television career. He is best known for his role as DCI Gene Hunt in the BBC’s Life on Mars from 2006 to 2007, and its follow-up series Ashes to Ashes from 2008 to 2010.
Beyond these well-loved TV shows, Philip has secured roles in David Walliams’ sitcom Big School in 2013 as Trevor Gunn, in the horror series Outcast as Reverend Anderson, and in Belgravia playing the central character of James Trenchard. Most recently, he took on the leading role of DCI Paul Bethell in Steeltown Murders.
Some may also remember his film roles, such as his part in 2003’s Calendar Girls as Lawrence, as Squire in Kingdom of Heaven in 2005, or as Charles Forestier in 2012’s Bel Ami.
Lorraine Ashbourne – Molly Marshall
Another standout cast member is Lorraine Ashbourne, 65, who portrays Jo’s worried mother Molly(Image: ITV)
Another notable cast member is Lorraine Ashbourne, 65, who plays Jo’s concerned mother Molly. Her acting career spans over three decades, with one of her most cherished roles being Mrs Varley – the housekeeper for the Featherington family – in Netflix’s Bridgerton.
The actress has also played Barbara Castle in The Crown, DI Tessa Nixon in Unforgotten and Lace Polly in Jericho. Her impressive television portfolio includes roles in Playing the Field, Clocking Off, The Syndicate, Cheat, Jericho, and Vera.
In 2022, she portrayed the character of Daphne Sparrow in the well-liked TV series Sherwood. Lorraine also took on roles such as Karen in I Hate Suzie, Joan in the comedy Alma’s Not Normal and Michelle Lafferty in Silent Witness.
Away from the camera, Lorraine is part of a distinguished family, being wed to actor and filmmaker Andy Serkis, who is renowned for his role as the voice of Gollum in The Lord of the Rings films. Their son Louis Ashbourne Serkis is making his own mark in the acting world, with roles in 2020’s The Queen’s Gambit as Georgi Girev and alongside Sheridan Smith in the 2022 drama No Return.
Faye McKeever – Kelly
Actress Faye McKeever, 40, is known for her role as Kelly(Image: ITV)
Actress Faye McKeever, aged 40, is recognised for her portrayal of Kelly, but recently she appeared as Tanya Helsby in BBC’s prison drama Time. One of her most notable roles was Linda in the comedy Trollied, although she has featured in numerous captivating dramas.
She starred in the Shannon Matthews-inspired BBC drama The Moorside in 2017 as Petra Jamieson, and in ITV’s chilling miniseries Des in 2020 as Linda Jay. In 2022, Faye assumed the role of Jodie Sweeney in The Responder and a year later appeared in BBC’s The Reckoning as Alison – a factual drama delving into the crimes of Jimmy Savile.
Matt Stokoe – Pat Holman
Matt Stokoe, aged 37, portrays Jo’s on-screen husband Pat Holman(Image: ITV)
Matt Stokoe, 37, plays the role of Pat Holman, who is Jo’s husband in the series. Off-screen, Matt and Sophie are engaged and doting parents to two children aged four and one.
Matt initially rose to fame for his portrayal of Alex in Channel 4’s Misfits, which led to roles in The Village and the third series of The Musketeers.
In 2018, he appeared as Luke in the TV series Bodyguard, where he starred alongside his future fiancée Sophie, who played Vicky Budd in the BBC thriller. The couple also shared screen time in Sky One’s Jamestown and the film Rose, which was written by Matt himself.
Matt took on the role of Gawain in Netflix’s original series Cursed and the controversial character Raoul Moat in The Hunt for Raoul Moat. He has also featured in films such as Hollow and Outlaw King, and provided his voice for several Final Fantasy video games.
Jacqueline Boatswain – Sarah Mackie
Jacqueline Boatswain brings to life Sarah Mackie in After the Flood(Image: ITV)
Jacqueline Boatswain portrays local politician Sarah Mackie in After the Flood, with an impressive list of television and film credits to her name. Viewers may recognise Jacqueline from her roles as Mima Blodwen in Carnival Row, Victoria in Wolfblood, and Patreesha St Rose in Shameless.
Those who watched Grange Hill will remember her standout performance as headmistress Mrs Bassinger from 2003 to 2006 in the popular BBC teen drama. She later joined the cast of Hollyoaks as Simone Loveday, a role she held from 2015 until 2019.
Jacqueline recently appeared in an episode of The Good Ship Murder and also shared the screen with her After The Flood co-star Sophie Rundle in The Diplomat.
Alun Armstrong – Alan Benson
Alun Armstrong is joining After the Flood series two as Alan Benson(Image: ITV)
Alun Armstrong, known for his roles as Cardinal Jinette in Van Helsing, Mornay in Braveheart, Baltus Hafez in The Mummy Returns, and the High Constable from Sleepy Hollow, is set to join the second series of After the Flood as Alan Benson.
The 79 year old actor’s other notable roles include Gary Jackson in Sherwood, John Southouse in Garrow’s Law and Brian Lane in New Tricks, among others.
Ian Puleston-Davies – Tony Rower
Ian Puleston-Davies is joining After the Flood series two as Tony Rower(Image: ITV)
Ian Puleston-Davies, best known for his role as Owen Armstrong in Coronation Street from 2010 to 2015, will be joining the cast of After the Flood’s second series as Tony Rower.
The 65 year old actor’s other roles include Terry Williams in Hollyoaks from 1995 to 1996, Jimmy in EastEnders in 1998, Mick Glover in The Bill, Phil Wiley in I’m Alan Partridge, Charlie Fisher in Waterloo Road, Peter Cullen in Marcella, Arthur Pennyworth in Pennyworth, Brian in The Teacher, Supt. Ross Beardsmore in D.I. Ray, Terry McGregor in The Bay and Eric in The Responder.
After the Flood returns on Sunday, 18 January, airing weekly on Sundays and Mondays on ITV. All episodes are available on ITVX.
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