The Ex-Wife series 2 on Channel 5: Cat-and-mouse battle continues as 'addictive' thriller returns with 'plot twists galore'
The first series landed in 2022
The Ex-Wife was one of THE best thrillers of 2022, and series 2 – which arrives on Channel 5 this week – follows suit.
The psychological drama first landed in 2025 on Paramount but, for those of us without a subscription, we can now watch it for free from Friday (May 15).
At the time, critics called it “addictive”, “soapy”, and “a shlocky escapist drama with plot twists galore”. If you loved the first series, and are a fan of thrillers like The Castaways, Fool Me Once, and The Wives, then this is right up your street.
So what’s the plot of The Ex-Wife series 2, who’s in the cast, and where was it filmed? We get under the skin of the upcoming Channel 5 thriller.
What is the plot of The Ex-Wife series 2?
Series 2 of The Ex-Wife picks up three years after the explosive events of the first series. In summary, series 1 saw Tasha try to escape the clutches of her abusive, manipulative ex Jack. After an car chase ended in an accident, Tasha left Jack for dead and pretended their daughter Emily had died. And she had a little help from Jack’s ex-wife Jen.
It was revealed that Tasha staged the car crash… But managed to pass her daughter, Emily, to her friend Sam beforehand. Former enemies Tasha and Jen formed a friendship and united to protect Emily from Jack, who was left in a coma.
However, the very final scene showed Jack’s hand twitching, setting up the narrative for a second season. The Ex-Wife series 2 begins with Tasha and daughter Emily hiding in Cyprus, struggling to make ends meet.
Jen is moving on with her new life, while Sam is in London alone, trying to keep in contact with Tasha and Emily. All are shocked when they hear the news that Jack will be released early from prison…
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How many episodes is it?
The Ex-Wife series 2 is four episodes in total. Each episode is an hour long, with ads, or 45 minutes without.
This follows the same format as series 1, which is still available to watch on Channel5.com if you need a refresher.
Who is in the cast of The Ex-Wife series 2?
Series 2 of The Ex-Wife sees the same cast return – with one big change. In the first series in 2022, Janet Montgomery portrayed Jack’s ex-wife Jen. However, in series 2 the actress was replaced by the equally beautiful Katie McGrath. Janet Montgomery stepped down from the role of Jen to pursue other opportunities, specifically joining the cast of the Paramount+ series 1923. She recently played Janet Watson in the Prime Original series Scarpetta opposite Nicole Kidman.
Katie McGrath, who replaced her on set, is best known for Lena Luthor in Supergirl, and Morgana in The Adventures of Merlin.
Of course, Showtrial actress Céline Buckens returns as the lead character of Tasha, opposite Sleepy Hollow’s Tom Mison as her manipulative ex Jack. Don’t be fooled by his insanely good looks!
Meanwhile, Rizzle Kicks singer Jordan Stephens stars as Tasha’s friend Sam, and The Bill’s Clare Foster returns as Jack’s sister Hayley. The ensemble cast also includes child actress Liberty Miller as Emily, Anna Savva as Maria, and The Sandman’s Jake Fairbrother as Connor.
When is the start date?
The Ex-Wife returns to our screens with series 2 on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 9pm on Channel 5.
This follows its original 2025 release on Paramount+. This is its free-to-air premiere.
Where was it filmed?
The second season of the psychological thriller is set largely in Cyprus. This is where Tasha and Emily – with new identities – are attempting to build a new life free of Jack.
Other scenes are set in London where Jack is released from prison. However, series 2 sees him arrive in Cyprus, refusing to let them go.
The production moved to Cyprus for the second season, which began filming there in summer 2024.
How did critics review the series when it aired on Paramount?
Critics were generally complimentary about The Ex-Wife series 2. The Up Coming called it “undoubtedly binge-worthy” and said it was “ideal for those who just want to unwind with a good old-fashioned TV thriller”. Writer Antonia Georgiou also revealed it was “packed full of moreish twists”.
While The Telegraph said it was “cliched”, The Times told us to expect “plot twists galore in this shlocky escapist drama”.
Entertainment Daily called it “perfect, turn-your-mind-off TV with pretty people doing unfathomable things”.
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