Red Eye season 2: cast, plot and everything we know

Red Eye season 2 is winging its way to our screens after the first series proved a hit with viewers.

Jing Lusi will return as DS Hana Li with a new conspiracy to solve, while Lesley Sharp and Jemma Moore will also reprise their roles as Head of MI5 Madeline Delaney and journalist Jess Li.

Richard Armitage, who played Dr Matthew Nolan in the first series, won't be a part of the upcoming sequel, however, Line of Duty star Martin Compston will be joining the cast.

“I’m delighted to be joining the Red Eye team," said Martin. "Hoping to build on the massive success of the first series and give viewers another thrilling ride."

 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.”

The first series of the high-octane drama followed Dr Nolan as he was embroiled in an international conspiracy after being arrested at Heathrow and extradited back to Beijing on trumped up charges.

London-based detective, DC Hana Li was tasked with accompanying him on the flight back to China, yet it wasn't long before people started dying in suspicious circumstances during the journey.

Before long, Nolan and Li realised they were at the centre of a worldwide nuclear-based conspiracy, facing a battle to survive.

Here's everything we know about Peter A Dowling's six-part sequel...

Red Eye season 2 release date

Filming began in March 2025, meaning this one will most likely have a release date of some time in 2026. We'll let you know when we hear more.

Red Eye season 2 plot

ITV teases that Hana and the character played by Compston "must set aside past differences to solve a new high-stakes conspiracy". 

Peter A Dowling admitted the first series was inspired by the Jodie Foster film Flightplan, and the first picture from season 2 is in an airport.

Whatever crisis DC Li faces, she's certain to have help from Head of MI5 Madeline Delaney (Lesley Sharp) and journalist Jess Li (Jess Moore).

We had been excited about the prospect of Dr Matthew Nolan being used as an asset by the British intelligence services, but Richard Armitage not returning that now looks unlikely... Shame!

Red Eye season 2 cast

Gangs of London star Jing Lusi, who plays DC Hana Li, leads the new series and told the press she viewed her character as a "turning point" for British Asian representation. "I think there is definitely more story to tell," she said after the launch of the first series.

She is joined by Martin Compston (Line of Duty, Vigil).

Jemma Moore (Lockwood & Co), who starred as Hana's sister, budding journalist Jess Li, will also be back, while Lesley Sharp (The Full Monty), who played MI5 Director General Madeline Delaney, will also return.

"I think what Peter A Dowling has created with this season of Red Eye is fantastically complete in and of itself, but I think what he's also managed to do is set up very compelling characters," Sharp told the press.

"I'd be very happy to step into Madeline Delaney's Manolo Blahniks and trot up and down the corridors of MI5."

New cast includes Isaura Barbe-Brown (Guilt, The Gold), Nicholas Rowe (The Crown, A Spy Among Friends), Danusia Samal (The Great, Ghost in the Shell), Trevor White (Industry, I Hate Susie) and Guy Williams (The White Princess, London Has Fallen).

Sadly, Richard Armitage (The Stranger & Stay Close) won't be returning, but it probably makes sense for his character to depart as his story had already been told. What's more, he'd have to be tremendously unfortunate to get caught up in another political conspiracy!

Is there a trailer?

No, not yet.