Red Eye series 2 is inbound, and ITV has today released a first-look image 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, with Lesley Sharp and Jemma Moore also 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. A cameo could be expected 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 new guest star, Martin Compston, whose identity has not yet been revealed. Together, they must set aside past differences to solve a "new high-stakes conspiracy".

For now, ITV are keeping the exact details of the series under wraps. However, 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. The actress is known for playing Amanda Ling in the film Crazy Rich Asians. 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. Lesley is probably best known 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, he's been replaced by Martin Compston of Line of Duty.

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 was tasked with escorting 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 not confirmed the start date for Red Eye series 2, but it is currently filming.

We expect it to land on ITV some time later in 2025. Series 1 is still available to watch on ITVX it you wanted to catch up.

Read more: Inside the new BBC Two detective drama Death Valley, starting soon with Timothy Spall as lead

Red Eye series 2 starts on ITV1 later this year. Series 1 is on ITVX.