ITV has officially confirmed that its acclaimed drama Red Eye will return for a second series on New Year’s Day, promising a thrilling continuation of the fast-paced series that captured audiences last year.

The show will see Jing Lusi reprise her role as DS Hana Li, the intrepid detective known for her appearances in Lucky Man and Gangs of London. Joining her will be Lesley Sharp, acclaimed for Before We Die and Scott and Bailey, returning as Head of MI5 Madeline Delaney, alongside Jemma Moore as journalist Jess Li.

Series one followed DC Hana Li as she assisted Dr. Matthew Nolan, portrayed by Richard Armitage, in Beijing amidst criminal allegations. In the upcoming series, Hana Li is drawn into an even more perilous case within the walls of the US Embassy in London.

The gripping new plot centers on the celebrations for a newly appointed US Ambassador, which are suddenly thrown into chaos when a threatening call warns that a British government plane will be destroyed if anyone exits the embassy. The lockdown traps guests and staff inside, setting the stage for a deadly sequence of events. Hana Li is forced to collaborate with Head of Embassy Security Clay Brody, played by Line of Duty star Martin Compston—a former colleague whose past actions once betrayed her trust. Together, they must navigate political tensions, jurisdictional obstacles, and a relentless killer inside the embassy. The stakes are raised as Director General Madeline Delaney is aboard the threatened aircraft, adding a personal urgency to Hana’s investigation.

Red Eye has already proved a ratings powerhouse, with the first season drawing more than eight million viewers and 29.3 million streams on ITVX. Produced by Wales-based independent company Bad Wolf, the six-episode second series is penned by creator Peter A. Dowling, who promises his signature twists and high-stakes storytelling.

The return of Red Eye is set to thrill drama enthusiasts and solidify its status as one of ITV’s standout series, with Martin Compston’s casting adding even more intrigue and anticipation for fans.