After the Flood series 2: Plot, start date, and first look at crime drama with new cast member Jill Halfpenny
After the Flood first aired in 2024, and will be back in 2026
After the Flood series 2 is coming to ITV in 2026, and they’ve released first look pictures at the mystery drama, including new cast member Jill Halfpenny.
The gripping first series aired in 2024, and introduced Sophie Rundle as PC Jo Marshall. After a body was discovered in the aftermath of a devastating flood, heavily pregnant Jo began investigating the man’s possible murder.
However, pursuing the killer changed everything for her when she discovered that her beloved boss Sergeant Mackie was complicit in the local crime – and bent as they come. Sadly, under Mackie’s influence, Jo’s boyfriend was also on the take.
Series 2 of After the Flood picks up where we left off. Here’s everything you need to know, including plot, cast, start date, and episodes.
What’s the plot of After the Flood series 2?
In series 2 of After the Flood, PC Jo Marshall must navigate the changing landscape of her town. The first look pictures show the underlying tensions between the corrupt Sergeant Mackie and his former ally Jack Radcliffe. We also see a warm mother-daughter moment between Molly and Jo Marshall.
Another picture shows the budding partnership between newcomer DS Sam Bradley and Jo Marshall. They work together to investigate the mysterious murders taking place in Waterside…
A synopsis of the second series says: “The new episodes find newly-promoted detective Jo Marshall on the trail of a baffling new murder investigation. As tensions simmer in Waterside amid the rising threat of moorland fires and the subsequent risk of further flooding, a body is discovered in bizarre circumstances.
“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.”
Where was it filmed?
After the Flood series 2 was, like the first series, filmed across the North West. After the Flood series 1 saw a Yorkshire town facing disaster following a flash flood.
It was set in the fictional town of Waterside in Yorkshire, but filming actually took place across Greater Manchester and in the Peak District. The historic Derbyshire market town of Glossop actually posed as Waterside, with a recently closed NatWest providing the exterior for Waterside Police Station.
The streets of Old Glossop became flowing rivers for the flooding scenes, while sandbags were used to protect the real homes from water damage.
When is the start date?
ITV drama After the Flood returns to ITV and STV with streaming available on ITVX and STV Player, and BritBox in North America in 2026.
Although we don’t have an exact start date, we’re pretty confident it will be in the first quarter of the year.
Who’s returns in the cast?
First of all, Sophie Rundle returns as Jo Marshall in After the Flood series 2. The Buckinghamshire-born actress, 37, is also known for playing Ann Walker in Gentleman Jack, and Ada Thorne in Peaky Blinders.
Lorraine Ashbourne reprises her role as Jo’s mum Molly. She recently kicked-ass as the drummer in Riot Women, but is also known for her roles in Alma’s Not Normal, Sherwood, and Bridgerton.
Nicholas Gleaves will once again play corrupt Sergeant Phil Mackie. He also recently appeared in Riot Women. The actor is famous for his roles in The Crown, The Bombing of Pan Am 103, Silent Witness, Bodyguard, The Chase, and Playing the Field. Corrie fans will know him as Duncan Radfield in Coronation Street, a role he played between 2018 and 2019. The actor is also known for portraying DS Andy Roper in Scott & Bailey, in which he starred opposite his real life wife Lesley Sharp.
Philip Glenister returns as Jack Radcliffe. He’s famous for his roles in Clocking Off, Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes, Roger Roger, and Mad Dogs. He recently played Arthur Wakefield in Bergerac.
Lastly, Matt Stokoe – Sophie Rundle’s fiancé in real life – returns as Jo’s husband, Pat Holman. He’s best known for playing Raoul Moat in The Hunt For Raoul Moat, and for his roles in The Bodyguard, Jamestown, The Musketeers, The Village, and Misfits.
Also returning in After the Flood series 2 are:
The Responder’s Faye McKeever as Kelly Kamali.
Ridley’s George Bukhari as Keith Kamali.
Newcomer Maui Connock as Kelly and Keith’s daughter, Sophie Kamali.
House of the Dragon’s Tripti Tripuraneni as PC Deepa Das.
You Don’t Know Me’s Heider Ali as DS Babak.
Gentleman Jack’s Leo Flanagan as Finn.
The Sandman’s Jacqueline Boatswain as Sarah Mackie.
Who is new in the cast of After the Flood series 2?
There are some pretty special famous faces joining the cast of After the Flood series 2, not least Alun Armstrong who joins the cast as Alan Benson. Alun will be reuniting with his Sherwood co-star Lorraine Ashbourne in the ITV drama. Of course, he’s also known for his roles in Breeders, Frontier, and New Tricks.
Jill Halfpenny will play Jo’s new colleague DS Sam Bradley. After leaving EastEnders in 2005, having played Kate Mitchell for three years, she went on to portray Izzie Redpath in Waterloo Road. Jill has since carved herself a niche in twisty thriller including The Feud, The Drowning, The Red King, and Liar.
Ian Puleston-Davies will play Tony Rower. Best known for portraying Owen Armstrong in Coronation Street, he’s also famous for his roles in Pennyworth, Waterloo Road, Marcella, Tin Star, and D.I. Ray.
Matthew McNulty is Xav Palmer in the cast of After the Flood series 2. He’s appeared in The Jetty, The Rising, Domina, The Terror, The Bay, The Paradise, Misfits, and Versailles.
Also joining the cast is:
The Night Manager’s Anil Desai as DCI Balsara.
Doctor Who’s Steph De Whalley as Harriet Benson.
Showtrial’s Nathalie Armin as Layal.
Sister Boniface Mysteries’ Tony Marshall as Fraser Tempest.
The Bank of Dave’s Roger Morlidge as Geoff Dixon.
Homes Fires’ Oliver Nelson as Declan Rower.
Coronation Street’s Jenny Platt as Donna Rower.
Newcomer Lola Brown as Izza.
How many episodes is it?
After the Flood will be six episodes of an hour long (including ads).
The six-part thriller is written, created and executive produced by BAFTA-nominated writer and actor Mick Ford. The acclaimed screenwriter worked alongside episode writers Joe Forrest and Maxine Alderton.
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