Parminder Nagra is back as DI Ray in the much-anticipated series 2 of the detective drama - and it's coming soon to ITV1 and ITVX.

Created by Maya Sondhi (who starred in Line of Duty), and produced by Jed Mercurio's HTM Television, the police thriller returns with new episodes, and some new faces in the cast.

Showtrial fans might be pleased to hear that actor Michael Socha has joined the cast of DI Ray as a new character.

Here's everything you need to know about DI Ray series 2, including where it was filmed, how many episodes it is, and who's in the cast...

What is the plot of DI Ray series 2?

The new series will see Leicester-born DI Rachita Ray investigating the murder of a high-profile criminal in Birmingham.

We're told: "Sensitive ethnic issues relating to the case ignite racial tensions, causing a personal conflict for Rachita, both as a British Asian woman and as a police officer, which she must fight to prevent a turf war erupting on the streets of Birmingham…"

Actress and screenwriter Maya Sondhi wrote the series, alongside Sarah Deane (Compulsion, Granite Harbour).

Maya said: "I am excited to bring DI Ray back to our screens for a second series that promises to go deeper, darker and more explosive than the last."

What happens in DI Ray series 2?

Two months after her suspension, DI Rachita Ray is thrust back into homicide after a fatal drive-by shooting outside a Birmingham hospital leaves two dead.

While the head of a notorious local crime syndicate, Frank Chapman, is the suspected target, young nurse, Megan Parks, is also caught in the crossfire and killed.

DI Ray is in a race against time to uncover the truth before the Chapman family act out their revenge, and an all-out gang war erupts onto the streets...

How many episodes is it?

The second series of DI Ray is six parts. Each episode is an hour long, including ads.

Series 1, which aired in 2022, was only four episodes.

When does DI Ray start?

DI Ray episode 1 of series 1 airs on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

Episode 2 follows on Monday, October 21, with episode 3 going out on Wednesday, October 22 (on consecutive days).

Episodes 4, 5, and 6 will air on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday the following week (October 27, 28, and 29).

After episode 1 has aired the whole series will be available on ITVX. 

Who is in the cast of DI Ray series 2?

Parminder Nagra returns in the leading role of Detective Inspector Rachita Ray. Of course, she's probably best known for playing Jess in the film Bend it Like Beckham, Neela Rasgotra in the medical TV series ER, and Dr Maryam Afridi in Maternal.

Parminder said: "So thrilled to be back on DI Ray 2. We have an amazing team helming it this season for what looks to be an exciting season."

Alongside Parminder Nagra, the second series features returning cast member Gemma Whelan as DCI Kerry Henderson. TV fans will know her from Game of Thrones, The Tower, and Gentleman Jack.

Former Corrie star Ian Puleston-Davies returns as Superintendent Ross Beardsmore, while Killing Eve's Steve Oram reprises his role as DS Clive Bottomley. The Chelsea Detective star Peter Bankole stars as DS Kwesi Edmund, and The Walk-In's Sam Baker-Jones portrays DC Liam Payne.

The Wives star Jamie Bamber also returns as bent copper who got caught - and Rachita's ex - Martyn.

Who plays Dave Chapman in DI Ray?

New cast members include The Office's Patrick Baladi as DI Patrick Holden, Our House's Dinita Gohil as Amara Choudhry, and Father Brown's Whitney White as DC Charlene Ellis.

Showtrial's Michael Socha plays crime boss son Dave Chapman, opposite Apple Tree Yard's Syreeta Kumar as Sharan Mochani, and Holby's Lauren Drummond as Suzie Chapman.

Taha Rahim plays Ravinder 'Rav' Mochani, Heather Forster is Amy Chapman, and Jessica Temple stars as DC Carly Lake.

Where is DI Ray filmed?

The second series of ITV1 drama DI Ray is set in Birmingham. Filming took place earlier this year in Birmingham.

Filming locations reportedly included: St Paul's Square, Centenary Square, Three Snow Hill, Snow Hill Queensway, and Livery Street.

The first series was filmed during October and November 2021 in locations including Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter and outside Lloyd House police station.

DI Ray series 2 starts on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.