Ellis series 2 cast list of detective drama as Sharon D Clarke returns as relentless DCI Ellis
DCI Ellis is once again parachuted into failing cases across the north of England
Ellis returns with a much-anticipated series 2 after the huge success of series 1 in 2024 and, once again, Sharon D Clarke leads the cast as straight-talking DCI Ellis.
The four-part series goes out over two weeks on Mondays and Tuesday. The first double-hander sees DCI Ellis “parachuted” into a failing case in (the fictional) Ashenham.
Fresh from her victories in series one, and with Harper at her side, Ellis faces a new wave of fractured communities and suspicious deaths. They test not only her forensic brilliance but her resilience…
As Ellis series 2 kicks off, here’s who plays who in the main cast, as well as the guest stars in episodes 1 and 2.
Sharon D Clarke returns as DCI Ellis
London-born actress Sharon D Clarke, 59, portrays dogged detective DCI Ellis in the cast of the Channel 5 detective drama. When there’s a suspicious death of a beloved community leader in a small rural village, ACC Leighton wastes no time in parachuting in Ellis and Harper. With her forensic eye, Ellis recognises the situation for what it is: murder.
Of course, Holby City fans will know Sharon as Lola Griffin, a role she played on and off between 2005 and 2019. However her career spans more than 40 years. Her very first TV role was playing the Night Nurse in The Singing Detective in 1986. She’s subsequently starred in the likes of EastEnders, Silent Witness, Informer, and Doctor Who.
You’ll also know Sharon for heavy-hitting dramas including Showtrial, Lost Boys & Fairies, and Mr Loverman. Most recently, Sharon popped up in both Wicked films, providing the voice of Dulcibear.
She’s also very famous for her career in theatre, both musical and otherwise. She is a three-time Olivier Award winner, and has played multiple lead roles in many West End plays and musicals. As well as belting out show tunes, Sharon enjoyed chart success with the FPI Project’s remake of Going Back to My Roots. She was also in the band Nomad. Believe it or not, Sharon D Clarke was also part of the female vocal group Six Chix, formed for the Eurovision Song Contest 2000. They came second in the UK selection.
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Frankly, she’s sickeningly talented. In real life, Sharon is married to writer and director Susie McKenna.
Ellis series 2 cast: Andrew Gower returns as DS Chet Harper
Merseyside-born Andrew Gower, 37, portrays Ellis’ sidekick DS Chet Harper in the Channel 5 crime drama. TV fans might know him best for playing Andrew Gower in James Nesbitt drama Monroe, a role he played between 2011 and 2012. In fact, after playing Nick Cutler in 2012 episodes of Being Human, it was his next big significant role.
He’s also famous for playing Prince Charles Edward Stuart in Outlander, and Ezra Spurnrose in Carnival Row. Other notable roles include Gilbert Hankin in The Village, Rupert Parker in Miss Scarlet and the Duke, Sansum in The Winter King, and Detective Peter Andrews in Netflix thriller You.
Most recently, he portrayed Jamie in Sherwood. Like his co-star, Andrew has also enjoyed a music career. In June 2005, he formed the Manchester-based rock band Emerson with his friends Michael Collins and James Webster. Andrew was the lead vocallist.
Allison Harding portrays ACC Alison Leighton
Portsmouth-born Allison Harding, 61, is one of only four significant regular cast member in Ellis series 2. She plays Ellis’ boss ACC – Assistant Chief Constable – Alison Leighton. Believe it or not, she’s only been on telly a handful of times before. Since her first role in The Bill in 2000, Allison has popped up in Nova Jones, Dalgliesh, and Malpractice.
In 2018, she portrayed an ensemble performer in Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! She also played a head washer in the glossy adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. Allison is best known for her roles in theatre and, like her co-stars, is a singer and musician. Surely this calls for a musical version of Ellis?!
Allison lives in Northern Ireland, which is where the Channel 5 detective drama is filmed.
Ellis series 2 cast: Charlotte McCurry plays DC Kate Trent
Belfast-born Charlotte McCurry returns as DC Kate Trent, a role she first played in series 1 episode 1. She’s been on our screens ever since 2012, when she first popped up as Margaret in the TV movie Save Our Souls: The Titanic Inquiry.
Since then, she’s largely been a jobbing actress, having appeared in episodes of Dalgliesh, World on Fire, and Say Nothing.
In 2025, Charlotte starred as Rhona in the gentle comedy Leonard and Hungry Paul. The same year, she portrayed Eleanor Cassebeer in another Titanic drama, this time the mini series Titanic Sinks Tonight.
John Hollingworth portrays DS Malcolm Oliver
Keighley-born actor John Hollingworth, 44, guest stars as DS Malcolm Oliver in the cast of Ellis series 2 episodes 1 and 2.
He is probably most famous for playing Captain Henshawe in period drama Poldark, a role he portrayed between 2015 and 2017. A friend of Ross, he was a very popular character, and left fans devastated when he died. Viewers will remember he was felled by bullets in episode five of series 3. He was killed as part of a risky rescue mission that Ross (Aidan Turner) had staged to rescue Dwight (Luke Norris).
Actor John is actually rather partial to a period drama. He’s also known for playing Alistair in the brilliant 2012 Abi Morgan drama The Hour, Francesco Sassetti in Da Vinci’s Demons, and Dr Butter in the Martin Clunes series Arthur & George. He reunited with Clunes again in Doc Martin, too. Between Professor Sam Bradman.
Other notable roles include Mr Abbott in Gentleman Jack, James Hartley in Mr Bates vs. The Post Office, and Viscomte de Stormont in Franklin. More recently, he’s appeared in Generation Z, The Bombing of Pan Am 103, and Patience. He’s also popped up on the cobbles, too. Just this year, John starred as Vincent Harper in ITV soap Coronation Street.
Niamh Blackshaw plays Jade Bell
Bolton-born Niamh Blackshaw guest stars as Jade Bell in Ellis series 2. Although she’s only been on our screens for eight years, she’s already made quite the impact.
Waterloo Road fans will know her as Agnes Eccleston, a role she played between 2025 and 2026. Agnes Eccleston was a passionate Christian, deeply committed to her faith, despite her rebellious streak. She’s known for her sweet but turbulent relationship with ‘bad boy’ Schuey.
Before that. Niamh made her name in Hollyoaks. She joined the cast of the Channel 4 soap as Juliet Quinn (later Nightingale) in 2018, and stayed until 2023. Juliet was the daughter of Donna-Marie Quinn and Mac Nightingale and the half-sister of Romeo, James, Alfie, Nathan and Ellie Nightingale.
Her very first role was playing Lara Cutler in 2017 in Corrie, and other notable roles include Rosie in the 2024 Jenna Coleman thriller The Jetty.
Ellis series 2 cast: Joel Morris stars as Joseph Ward
Actor Joel Morris stars as Joseph Ward in Ellis. He’s been on our screens for nearly 30 years, but is probably best known for portraying William Hardcastle in Gentleman Jack, a role he played between 2019 and 2022. William was a recurring character, a tenant of Anne Lister, with a wife and two children. His eldest son, Henry, tragically lost his leg in a carriage accident.
Joel is also famous for starring as DS Houghton in The Syndicate series 3, Spike in Coronation Street, and Tim Wells in Des.
More recently, he portrayed Gary in the sexy thriller The Couple Next Door, Gavin in The Responder, and Daniel Morgan in The Hack.
Who else appears in the cast of Ellis series 2 episodes 1 and 2?
Comedian and actress Cariad Lloyd plays Pippa Ellerson in the cast of Ellis series 2 episodes 1 and 2. She is largely known for her comedic roles in Give Out Girls, Crims, Peep Show (where she played Megan), and I Want My Wife Back. She’s also appeared in the ensemble of sketch shows, including Walliams & Friend, and Tracey Ullman’s Show.
You’ll also know her from Murder in Successville, Out of Her Mind, and Changing Ends where she plays Miss Gideon.
Keir Charles (above) plays Chris Ellerson, and he’s also mostly known for his comedy roles in series such as Green Wing, and Back to Life. He’s done serious roles, too, including Lord Ledger in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Phil Scully in hard-hitting drama Stephen, and Steve Knight in Quiz.
Main cast list of Ellis series 2:
Sharon D Clarke returns as DCI Ellis.
Andrew Gower plays DS Chet Harper.
Charlotte McCurry portrays DC Kate Trent.
Allison Harding is ACC Alison Leighton.
Guest cast list of Ellis series 2 episodes 1 and 2:
John Hollingworth portrays DS Malcolm Oliver.
Niamh Blackshaw stars as Jade Bell.
Joel Morris stars as Joseph Ward.
Cariad Lloyd plays Pippa Ellerson.
Keir Charles is Chris Ellerson.
The Gathering’s Sonny Walker takes on the role of Kelvin Jones.
Deep Heat’s Sasha Desouza-Willock is PC Suravi Kareem.
Blue Lights’ James Doran plays Peter Barron.
Silk’s Kirsty Bushell is Natasha Scope.
Hannah Chinn – aka Antonia in Domina – portrays Avery Barron.
Heartstopper’s Elliot Douglas stars as Archie Ellerson.
Blurred Lines’ Kyle Ndukuba plays Bola Ladipo.
Soft Border Patrol’s Faolan Morgan portrays the landlord.
