Red Eye Season 2 Debuts on ITV with New Cast and Fresh Conspiracy
LONDON, 5 January 2026 – ITV’s espionage thriller Red Eye returned for its second series on New Year’s Day, delivering a fresh conspiracy storyline whilst retaining the high-stakes tension that defined its debut season.
Premiere Details and Availability
Red Eye Season 2 premiered on ITV1 at 9pm on Thursday, 1 January 2026. The six-episode series is available to stream on ITVX, with the finale scheduled to air on Friday, 16 January 2026.
The second series marks a significant shift from the original, with creator Peter A Dowling and director Kieron Moore crafting a new narrative that once again places Detective Constable Hana Li and MI5 director-general Madeline Delaney in peril.
Cast: New Faces and Returning Stars
| Actor | Character | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jing Lusi | Detective Constable Hana Li | Returning Lead |
| Lesley Sharp | Madeline Delaney (MI5 Director-General) | Returning |
| Martin Compston | Clay Brody (Head of Security) | New Lead |
| Jemma Moore | Jess Li | Returning |
| Richard Armitage | Dr Matthew Nolan | Guest Appearance (Episode 5) |
Jing Lusi reprises her role as DC Hana Li, the Metropolitan Police detective who spent the first series unravelling a complex conspiracy aboard a perilous flight to China. This time, the narrative structure shifts: Hana Li remains grounded whilst Madeline Delaney finds herself trapped thousands of feet in the air.
Martin Compston, best known for his role as Steve Arnott in BBC’s Line of Duty, joins the cast as Clay Brody, replacing Richard Armitage as the series’ male lead. Armitage, who starred in Season 1 as Dr Matthew Nolan, makes what ITV describes as “a surprising and thrilling return” in Episode 5, appearing briefly as protagonists turn to him in desperation.
Plot and Setting
Season 2 divides its attention between an endangered flight and events unfolding on the ground. The narrative centres on a bomb threat aboard an aircraft and escalating chaos at a US Embassy event in London. DC Hana Li navigates the embassy lockdown whilst confronting past tensions, as the investigation reveals connections to a Russian assassin.
The series maintains the dual-timeline structure that characterised its predecessor, with Madeline Delaney facing danger at altitude whilst Hana Li works to resolve the crisis from London.
Production Team
Creator Peter A Dowling and director Kieron Moore returned to helm the second series, maintaining continuity in the show’s creative vision. The production represents a significant investment by ITV in original thriller programming.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Red Eye Season 2 premiere?
Red Eye Season 2 premiered on ITV1 at 9pm on Thursday, 1 January 2026 (New Year’s Day).
How many episodes are in Red Eye Season 2?
The second series comprises six episodes, with the finale scheduled to air on Friday, 16 January 2026.
Is Richard Armitage in Red Eye Season 2?
Richard Armitage makes a brief guest appearance in Episode 5 as Dr Matthew Nolan, despite not being a series regular. Martin Compston has taken over as the male lead, playing Clay Brody.
Where can I watch Red Eye Season 2?
Red Eye Season 2 is available to stream on ITVX, with episodes airing weekly on ITV1. Season 1 is also available to stream on ITVX.
What is the plot of Red Eye Season 2?
The second series follows DC Hana Li as she investigates a bomb threat on a plane and chaos at a US Embassy event in London, whilst MI5 director-general Madeline Delaney faces danger aboard the threatened aircraft. The investigation centres on the search for a Russian assassin.