Red Eye series 2: Everything we know so far, including why Richard Armitage has been replaced
DS Hana Li works alongside new guest star, Martin Compston, to solve a "new high-stakes conspiracy"
Red Eye series 2 is inbound, and ITV has today released first-look images from the brand new series featuring its new leading man Martin Compston. Here’s everything we know so far, including plot, episode guide, and start date.
The new episodes follow the success of series 1 in 2024, which became one of ITV’s top 10 dramas of that year.
Series 2 is once again written by the show’s creator Peter A Dowling, but there’s something notably different… While Jing Lusi reprises her role as DS Hana Li, Richard Armitage has been replaced as leading man.
Here’s everything we know about Red Eye series 2 so far…
Is there a Red Eye series 2 on ITV?
Yes, there’s a series 2 of Red Eye incoming. ITV announced the series had been recommissioned in September 2024, after the first series had aired.
At the time, the broadcaster announced that Jing Lusi would reprise her role as DS Hana Li. Lesley Sharp and Jemma Moore would also be returning as Head of MI5 Madeline Delaney and journalist Jess Li respectively.
However, it was left unclear if Richard Armitage would be back… Now we know he won’t be. Or at least, he won’t be the main character. Fans might hope for a cameo seeing as his character and Hana seemed pretty close at the end of series 1.
ITV’s Head of Drama Polly Hill said about Red Eye series 2: “I can’t wait for audiences to see where Pete takes series 2. It’s another exciting ride!”
What is the plot?
In Red Eye series 2, DS Hana Li works alongside Martin Compston’s Head of Embassy Security, Clay Brody. Together, they must set aside past differences to solve a “new high-stakes conspiracy”.
A synopsis tells us: “Inside the US Embassy, the celebrations for a newly-appointed US Ambassador to London are shattered when officials receive a threatening call. The caller will blow a British plane out of the sky if anyone leaves the embassy. This triggers an immediate embassy lockdown and traps guests and staff inside.”
And that’s when the murders begin… British cop Hana Li is thrown into a “political and jurisdictional nightmare”. She is compelled to join forces with the Head of Embassy Security, Clay Brody, a former colleague who once “screwed her over”. Hana now has to see her way past her distrust of him and focus on the investigation… because this time it’s personal.
The BBC synopsis continues: “Director General Madeline Delaney is onboard the government jet that is in danger of being blown up. With a killer wreaking havoc inside the Embassy and evading them at every turn, Hana and Brody must discover who is behind the treacherous plot before time runs out for the hostages within the Embassy and the passengers on board Delaney’s plane.”
Talking about the new show, Jing Lusi commented: “I’m incredibly excited to return to the world of Red Eye, and thrilled to be sharing this rollercoaster with the brilliant Martin Compston.”
Martin added: “I’m delighted to be joining the Red Eye team. Hoping to build on the massive success of the first series and give viewers another thrilling ride.”
How many episodes is Red Eye series 2?
Like Red Eye series 1, the second run will also be six episodes.
Each episode will be one hour long, including ads, and we’re expecting it to stream as a boxset.
A synopsis from ITV says: “The series consists of six new episodes written by Peter A Dowling, with Jingan Young returning to write an episode.”
Who’s in the cast?
Actress Jing Lusi returns as DS Hana Li. Fans of Crazy Rich Asians will know her best for playing Amanda Ling in the popular film. Other big roles include Vicky in Gangs of London, Tara Lo in Holby City, Lily-Anne Lau in Lucky Man, and Miyu Hatfield in The Feed.
Martin Compston joins the cast in an undisclosed role. Of course, the Scottish actor is famous for playing DS Arnott in BBC crime drama Line of Duty, as well as Fulmer Hamilton in The Rig, Bram Lawson in Our House, and Daniel MacAfee in Traces.
Lesley Sharp reprises her role as the Head of MI5 Madeline Delaney. TV viewers probably know Lesley best for her roles in Before We Die, Scott and Bailey, Afterlife, Clocking Off, and Playing the Field.
Jemma Moore will return to play journalist and Hana’s sister Jess Li. In 2023, she played Mia Falshaw in Silent Witness.
Also returning are His Dark Materials’ Jonathan Aris, Bergerac’s Robert Guilbert, Out of Her Mind’s Cash Holland, and Stay Close’s Steph Lacey.
New cast members include Guilt’s Isaura Barbe-Brown, The Crown’s Nicholas Rowe. The Great’s Danusia Samal, Industry‘s Trevor White, and London Has Fallen’s Guy Williams.
Why isn’t Richard Amitage in Red Eye series 2?
Although Richard Armitage played the lead role of Dr Matthew Nolan in the first series, he is not returning for series 2. Instead, ITV has replaced him with Martin Compston of Line of Duty fame.
Although neither ITV nor Richard has spoken about the decision, we can only guess that his story arc was considered over. At the end of series 1, he’d been proven innocent.
Like Shetland, Silent Witness, and Malpractice, the key investigators remain the same, while the crime/suspects change every series, or even every episode. In series 2, Jing Lusi reprises her role as DS Hana Li, and has another conspiracy to solve.
What happened in series 1?
Richard Armitage led the cast as Dr Matthew Nolan, a man who found himself accused of murder upon flying home from Beijing – though he swore his innocence. London police officer DC Hana Li escorted him back to Beijing to face justice.
However, on board flight 357, the no-nonsense, London officer found herself embroiled in an escalating conspiracy and a scary amount of murders suggesting foul play.
Further deaths confirmed that Nolan truly was in danger, and after a call from MI5, Hana found herself embroiled in an escalating conspiracy.
Although it was undoubtedly rather silly, it certainly wasn’t boring.
When is the start date? How can I watch it?
ITV has now confirmed the start date for Red Eye series 2 is New Year’s Day 2026 at 9pm.
Series 1 is still available to watch on ITVX it you wanted to catch up.
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