After the Flood has returned to ITV, and series 2 wastes absolutely no time raising the stakes — helped in no small part by the arrival of Jill Halfpenny as the intriguing DS Sam Bradley.
We won’t be giving anything away here, but it’s safe to say the new run matches the intensity of the 2024 debut and then pushes things further. The body count rises, the shocks land harder, and just when you think you’ve got your bearings, the drama pulls the rug out from under you again.
Jill Halfpenny joins the cast as Jo Marshall’s new colleague at Waterside police station. On the surface, DS Sam Bradley looks like a steady, experienced presence — but from her ongoing scenes, it’s hard not to wonder whether there’s more going on beneath that calm exterior. And yes, we’ve got our suspicions…
Sam and Jo investigate multiple murders in After the Flood series 2 (Credit: ITV)
Who is Jill Halfpenny’s character DS Sam Bradley in After the Flood series 2?
DS Sam Bradley arrives at Waterside just as Jo Marshall steps into her newly promoted role, and the two quickly find themselves paired on a challenging new case.
Sam explains that she’s recently transferred from Newcastle, keen for a fresh start now that she’s divorced and living alone, with both of her sons away at university. It all sounds perfectly reasonable — even relatable.
Introducing the character in After the Flood series 2, ITV describes Sam as: “A highly-qualified and experienced murder detective, Sam’s excellent at her job and immediately takes a liking to Jo, seeing something of herself in her. Perceptive and good with people, Sam also has a firm streak and believes the rules are there for a reason; it’s a trait that might just see her butting heads with Jo and her instincts for breaking the rules.”
By the end of episode 1, though, those neat details are pretty much all we’re given: Sam is divorced, has two grown-up sons, and plenty of experience. But the lack of background only fuels the question — is that really the full picture?
‘Who’s hiding something, and why?’
Speaking ahead of the new series, Jill Halfpenny hinted that murky motives are very much the theme this time around.
“This series is a potent mix of people who believe what they’re doing is right – even when it’s not. You’ve got characters acting from conviction, others behaving badly with full intent, and the law cutting through it all.
“When those forces collide, there’s an explosion. Sam and Jo are right in the middle, trying to work out who’s telling the truth, who’s hiding something, and why. And along the way, there are these juicy bits of information revealed that keep you hooked. Then at the very end? There’s a very unexpected occurrence that I think will really take people by surprise.”
Jo is secretly investigating Mackie in After the Flood series 2, but is she being watched? (Credit: ITV)
Is Jill Halfpenny’s DS Sam Bradley good or bad in After the Flood?
So, are we alone in feeling slightly on edge whenever DS Sam Bradley is on screen? Or is After the Flood deliberately playing with our expectations?
Sam is senior to Jo and presents herself as supportive, even protective, as Jo finds her feet in her new role. But there’s something about how closely she sticks to her — and how intently she watches — that’s hard to ignore.
Our inner cynic keeps whispering that Sam may have an agenda of her own. Is she genuinely there to mentor Jo, or is she monitoring her? And could she, possibly, be linked to Phil Mackie as some kind of inside plant?
After everything Jo endured in series 1 — where trust proved to be a dangerous thing — it’s impossible not to feel wary on her behalf. Even Jo herself admits to Pat that there’s “something off about” Sam. Frankly, we’re inclined to agree.
All the hidden clues pointing to Sam’s possible motives
1: Sam keeps a close eye on Jo at all times. If she’s not working for Mackie, she could be positioning herself to expose Jo’s rule-bending instincts. The big question is whether she’s ally or threat.
2: She probes Jo about her past relationship with Lee Ellison, appearing to know more than she lets on. Why the interest in Jo’s previous cases? And how deep does Sam’s knowledge really go?
***Warning: mild spoilers from After the Flood episode 2 and beyond***
3: At several key moments, Sam is conspicuously absent. When a potentially deadly fire breaks out on the Moors, she’s nowhere to be seen — later brushing it off by saying she didn’t see the message until the morning. That explanation feels a little thin.
4: In episode 2, Jo catches Sam searching through Pat’s desk. It’s a serious breach of trust and suggests Sam’s role at Waterside goes beyond routine detective work.
5: Later episodes show Sam in secretive meetings with Mackie, apparently feeding him information. But whether she’s truly on his side — or playing a longer game — remains an open question.
After the Flood fans will be missing their fix of drama tonight and have every reason to be miffed about it – so why isn’t it on?
The six-parter starring Sophie Rundle as a dogged cop was due to air its penultimate episode this Wednesday (February 07). But frustratingly for fans, the drama has been replaced in the schedules.
But why isn’t After the Flood on tonight? And when can you watch the all-important episode 5? Here’s everything you need to know about the missing episode…
Philip Glenister and Lorraine Ashbourne star in After the Flood (Credit: ITV1)
Why isn’t After the Flood on tonight?
After the Flood episode 5 – the all-important penultimate episode – was due to air on Wednesday, February 07, 2024 at 9pm on ITV1.
But viewers tuning in on Wednesday will be disappointed as the series has been replaced in the schedules. Instead of the dramatic crime drama, ITV are showing Live FA Cup Football: Aston Villa versus Chelsea – the fourth round replay at Villa Park.
It’s not the first time the football has wreaked havoc on our favourite TV shows. Silent Witness has also been bumped for the sport.
Episode 5 of After the Flood joins PC Joanna Marshall as she and Tasha discover an unexpected side to Daniel’s life… Meanwhile, Jo closes in on the killer.
When is After the Flood next on? When can I watch episode 5?
After the Flood episode 5 will air on Friday, February 09, 2024 instead. That’s if you haven’t already got bored of waiting and watched it on ITVX.
The final episode of the drama is due to air on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, or Valentine’s Day as some of you like to call it!
In the finale, Jo finally gets the answers that she has been searching for, but the truth will change everything.
Real life husband and wife duo Sophie Rundle and Matt Stokoe as Jo and Pat in After the Flood (Credit: ITV1)
Why isn’t After the Flood on tonight? Fans fed up of schedule changes
As well as After the Flood, and Silent Witness, the soaps have all been affected by the schedule changes as a result of football.
Fans have not been happy about the disruption. One fan tweeted: “So, ITV had it this week and last, cancelling Corrie and now it’s EastEnders turn to get the brunt. Sports events like to ruin us fans’ scheduling. Why can’t they just move it to BBC2 like they did during Wimbledon?”
Another simply said: “The FA cup can go rot.”
A third fuming over Silent Witness said: “Want it nooooooooow, Fuck all on tonight, not even part 2 of Silent Witness. Feckin football on instead.”
“I already couldn’t stand football but, when they move #SilentWitness around for it, that makes me so annoyed! Grrrrr Silent Witness is more important!”
After the Flood follows ambitious copper Jo Marshall who, despite being heavily pregnant, must deal with the devastating floods that have hit her home town in Yorkshire – and episode 1 left us with a river of unanswered questions.
Although the series aims to raise awareness of climate change, at heart this is really like any other ITV drama. There’s a dead body, a murderer on the loose, and a dogged cop determined to get to the truth.
Admittedly, the six-part drama started with one of the most preposterous opening scenes on TV in a long time. A soggy Jonas Armstrong (playing Lee Ellison) rescued a baby from drowning in a very feisty river. Jo watched in horror as Lee managed to save the baby – despite dunking it underwater several times – before disappearing under the water himself.
The image of Lee sinking under the water then plagued Jo for the rest of the episode. But, of course, the clues are already there that Lee is not the hero he seemed…
Here are all the questions we want answered after watching episode 1 of After the Flood.
***Warning: spoilers from After the Flood episode 1 ahead***
Sophie Rundle as PC Joanna Marshall in After the Flood (Credit: ITV)
Who is the dead man in the lift?
PC Jo Marshall (Sophie Rundle) is determined to find out the identity of the dead man in the lift. He was found in an underground car park after the flood, but his death had nothing to do with the weather.
In fact, he had died several days before the floods. Cause of death was a blunt force trauma to the head, with multiple bruising to the body. So that’s murder. But who would want him dead?
Viewers later discovered that the man was believed to have died five years ago. So where’s he been all this time?
After the Flood episode 1: Who killed him?
Well, we’re jumping to a big conclusion here, but we suspect Lee Ellison (Jonas Armstrong) might be involved somehow.
Despite his heroic attempts to save the baby in the opening scenes, he later became very shifty when he heard police cars nearby. He also hasn’t announced his presence to the police or hospital… Perhaps he wants everyone to think he’s dead.
Watch this space!
Jonas Armstrong portrays Lee Ellison in After the Flood (Credit: ITV1)
Has Jo jeopardised her career?
Now, don’t get us wrong, we like Jo. If we were murdered, we’d want her on our side… But breaking the law when she’s a copper, and training to become a detective?
Determined to find out more about the unidentified dead man, Jo decided to send his DNA to an online heritage/family tree site. Even though she knew it was illegal to do so.
Rather stupidly, she then spoke to the dead man’s sister. “Hello, you don’t know me but your brother is dead but I’m not supposed to tell you!”
Will Jo’s actions get her in trouble?
After the Flood episode 1: What is Pat hiding?
Anybody else getting seriously controlling vibes from Jo’s husband Pat? He seems to be hiding something, but whether that’s being a gaslighter or something else, we’re yet to find out.
Jo lied to him about how many months pregnant she was so she could start the detective training. She told Pat she was six months, but she’s actually seven. They aren’t going to win couple of the year anytime soon, that’s for sure.
Also Pat… Next time your sister asks to stay over, just say no! You’re wife is pregnant FFS and needs her peace and quiet!
What happened to Jo’s dad?
During episode 1 of After the Flood, Jo’s health took a turn after standing in dirty water for hours… Her boss Sergeant Phil Mackie (Nicholas Gleaves) sent her to hospital for a check up.
Before she went, Phil said to Jo: “We lost your dad because he wouldn’t go to the hospital.” What happened to Jo’s dad? And will this have any impact on how the series plays out?
After the Flood is the latest high-profile drama from ITV which may be a little too close to home for some right now during this brutal winter – but the cast won’t disappoint.
The six-part mystery drama sees Gentleman Jack actress Sophie Rundle lead the cast, alongside other big names from the world of TV and film.
The series follows the residents and police force of a Yorkshire town, who are affected by a devastating flood. When an unidentified man is found dead in a lift in an underground car park, police assume he became trapped as the waters rose.
However, as the investigation unfolds, PC Joanna Marshall becomes obsessed with discovering what happened to him. How did he get in the lift and why does no one know who he is?
Here’s everything you need to know about the cast of After the Flood on ITV1…
Actress Sophie Rundle as PC Joanna Marshall in the cast of After the Flood (Credit: ITV1)
After the Flood cast on ITV: Sophie Rundle stars as PC Joanna Marshall
Actress Sophie Rundle, 35, leads the cast of After the Flood on ITV. She plays pregnant PC Joanna Marshall, who must deal with the consequences of a flood that devastates a Yorkshire town.
Of course, Bucks-born Sophie is well known to TV viewers. After all, she’s starred in some of the biggest hits of recent years, including Peaky Blinders, Happy Valley, and Gentleman Jack.
Sophie played Ada Thorne, née Shelby, in all six series of drama Peaky Blinders. She starred alongside Cillian Murphy, who played her character’s brother, the crime boss Tommy Shelby.
Gentleman Jack fans will know Sophie as Ann Walker, the love interest (and later wife) of protagonist Anne Lister. She also played Vicky Budd in Jed Mercurio political thriller Bodyguard in 2018.
Then there was her significant role in Jamestown, Sky’s answer to a British Western, which told the story of settlers in the New World. The show ran for three seasons from 2017 to 2019. She played Alice Sharrow, and met her husband to be Matt Stokoe during filming (see below).
Her role in Happy Valley was short-lived but pivotal. She played Kirsten McAskill, who was murdered by Tommy Lee Royce when he repeatedly drove over her. The death crushed viewers and Sarah Lancashire’s character Catherine Cawood alike.
Sophie has also guest-starred in Call the Midwife, Episodes, Shetland, Merlin, Not Safe for Work, Brief Encounters, and The Bletchley Circle.
More recently, you might have seen Sophie in 2020 surrogacy drama The Nest, or as the titular role in political thriller The Diplomat. She also starred in the 2020 George Clooney film The Midnight Sky. Other film roles include Great Expectations, Elizabeth is Missing, The Face of an Angel, and Rose.
Nicholas Gleaves as Sergeant Phil Mackie in After the Flood (Credit: ITV1)
Nicholas Gleaves plays Sergeant Phil Mackie
Bolton-born actor Nicholas Gleaves, 55, stars as Jo’s boss and surrogate father figure, Sergent Phil Mackie. Also known as Nick, he’s been on our screens since 1992 when he first appeared as Carl in Boon.
Since then, he’s popped up in a multitude of TV series including Casualty, The Bill, Faith, and Soldier, Soldier. In 1997, he won the significant role of PC Rudy Whiteside in Wokenwell. Of course, he then landed the role of Rick Powell in the popular series Playing the Field, which ran from 1998 to 2002 – and also starred his now wife Lesley Sharp!
He went on to play Eddie in Being April, Duncan in The Queen’s Nose, and Ray Fairburn in Conviction. Other significant roles include DS Gary Tate in City Lights, Tom Bedford in The Chase, Oliver in Murderland, James Whitaker in Survivors, and Richard Whitman in Waterloo Road.
Between 2011 and 2012, Nicholas portrayed DS Andy Roper in Scott and Bailey, again alongside his real life wife! After minor roles in Cold Feet, Death in Paradise, The Split, and Midsomer Murders, the actor took on the role of Roger Penhaligon in Bodyguard.
Of course, Coronation Street fans will know Nicholas Gleaves as Duncan Radfield in the ITV soap, a role he played from 2018 to 2019.
More recently, Nicholas Gleaves has played Guterman in the film Spider-Man: Far From Home, and Bob Stratton in Silent Witness. He’s also played the Headmaster in The Demon Headmaster, William Wyatt in The Rising, and John Birt in The Crown.
Philip Glenister and Lorraine Ashbourne star in After the Flood (Credit: ITV1)
After the Flood cast on ITV: Philip Glenister portrays Jack Radcliffe
Well known actor Philip Glenister, 60, portrays property developer Jack Radcliffe in the cast of After the Flood on ITV1. TV viewers will know him from a career crammed with decades worth of great roles.
Philip is probably best known for his role as DCI Gene Hunt in BBC One’s Life on Mars, a role he played from 2006 to 2007. He also appeared in its sequel Ashes to Ashes from 2008 to 2010. The first series told the story of Sam Tyler (John Simm), a man who accidentally time travels to 1973 to discover he still has the same job, in the same place, now with chauvinistic boss.
The characters returned again in Ashes to Ashes, alongside Keeley Hawes as Alex Drake. Philip later reunited with John Simm for 2011 psychological thriller Mad Dogs, and 2014 mini-series Prey, which received a BAFTA nomination.
Philip has also starred in David Walliams‘ sitcom Big School in 2013, supernatural horror Outcast, and Belgravia. The 19th century-set historical drama by Downton Abbey‘s Julian Fellowes will soon return for a second series.
Most recently, Philip played DCI Paul Bethell in the Welsh drama Steeltown Murders. His film work includes 2003’s Calendar Girls, Bel Ami in 2012, and Kingdom of Heaven in 2005.
Lorraine Ashbourne as Jo’s mum Molly Marshall in After the Flood (Credit: ITV1)
Actress Lorraine Ashbourne is Molly Marshall
Acclaimed actress Lorraine Ashbourne, 63, portrays Jo’s worrying mother Molly in the cast of After the Flood. She’s well known to TV fans from her acting career which spans more than three decades.
We loved her as Mrs Varley in Bridgerton on Netflix. She has also starred as Barbara Castle in The Crown, DI Tessa Nixon in Unforgotten, and Lace Polly in Jericho.
Lorraine’s many other roles include Playing the Field, Clocking Off, The Syndicate, Cheat, Jericho, and Vera. In She played DI Rachel Klein in the Coup de Grace episodes in 2014.
More recently, she played Daphne Sparrow in the brilliant Sherwood, a role she’ll soon reprise in series 2. She’s also played Karen in I Hate Suzie, and Joan in comedy Alma’s Not Normal, and Michelle Lafferty in Silent Witness two-hander My Sister’s Keeper.
Her fans will know her husband and son are famous too! She’s married to Andy Serkis, and their son Louis Ashbourne Serkis starred in 2022 Sheridan Smith drama No Return.
Faye McKeever as Kelly in After the Flood (Credit: ITV1)
After the Flood cast on ITV: Faye McKeever stars as Kelly
Faye McKeever, 38, appears as Kelly in the cast of After the Flood on ITV. She recently portrayed Tanya Helsby in the cast of BBC One’s hard-hitting prison drama Time.
She’s perhaps best known for playing Linda in the comedy Trollied, but she’s no stranger to a gritty drama. In 2017, she played Petra Jamieson in the Shannon Matthews-inspired BBC drama The Moorside in 2017. Then three years later, she made an appearance in ITV’s harrowing series Des in 2020.
More recently, she portrayed Alison in BBC’s The Reckoning – which was about disgraced paedophile Jimmy Saville. She also played Jodie Sweeney in The Responder, Deborah Peach in A Confession, and Claire Olssen in Little Boy Blue.
Away from TV screens, she was also in a relationship with X Factor champ and Corrie hunk Shayne Ward. The pair struck up a romance in 2003, and got engaged in 2012. However two years later the pair called it quits.
Real life husband and wife duo Sophie Rundle and Matt Stokoe as Jo and Pat in After the Flood (Credit: ITV1)
Matt Stokoe plays Jo’s husband Pat Holman
Actor Matt Stokoe portrays Jo’s husband Pat Holman in the cast of After the Flood on ITV1. And it won’t be much of a stretch, as the couple are together in real life!
Matt’s breakout role was as Alex in the Channel 4 series Misfits. His special power enabled him to remove the powers of others. He went on to portray teacher Gerard Eyre in The Village, and Captain Marcheaux in series three of The Musketeers.
In 2018, he starred as Luke in Jed Mercurio’s Bodyguard, opposite his future wife. He and Sophie also appeared together in the Sky One series Jamestown, and the film Rose, which was written by Matt.
In 2020, Matt played Gawain in the Netflix original series Cursed. More recently, he played the controversial role of Raoul Moat in the series The Hunt for Raoul Moat, and suspect Mark B. Warden in Grace.
Jacqueline Boatswain stars as Sarah Mackie (Credit: ITV1)
After the Flood cast on ITV: Jacqueline Boatswain plays Sarah Mackie
Actress Jacqueline Boatswain portrays local politician Sarah Mackie in the cast of After the Flood on ITV1.
She’s well respected for her work across theatre, TV and film. On TV, viewers might recognise her for playing Mima Blodwen in Carnival Row, Victoria in Wolfblood, and Patreesha St Rose in Shameless.
Grange Hill fans will know her for playing headmistress Mrs Bassinger in the long-running BBC school drama from 2003 to 2006. In 2015, Jacqueline Boatswain joined the cast of C4 soap Hollyoaks as regular cast member Simone Loveday, a role she left in 2019.
Most recently, she popped up in an episode of The Good Ship Murder, and played Elaine Simms in The Diplomat opposite After the Flood co-star Sophie Rundle!
Jonas Armstrong portrays Lee Ellison
Actor Jonas Armstrong plays the seemingly heroic local man Lee Ellison in After the Flood, but all is not as it seems…
Jonas is probably most famous for playing Robin Hood in the BBC series of the same name between 2006 and 2009. He also played Anthony Millington in Teachers, Steve in Prisoners Wives, Ben in Hit & Miss, and Joe in Line of Duty.
Most recently, he portrayed Jason in The Drowning, and Sean Meredith in The Bay – a father whose child goes missing. He’s also played grieving dad Gareth in Hollington Drive, Saul Morris in Strike, and Finn Coleman in Ghost Seekers.
In 2022, he took on the role of paedophile Barry Bennell in the moving drama Floodlights. In 2023, the 43-year-old portrayed Arthur Lake in the madcap comedy drama Boat Story.
Who else stars in the cast of After the Flood on ITV1?
Elsewhere, actress Tripti Tripuraneni portrays Deepa Das. She’s a relative newcomer to our screens. In fact, her role in After the Flood is her fourth TV appearence. She previously played Carol in one episode of Temple in 2019, Leena Minhas in Casualty the same year, and Helaena’s Nurse in House of the Dragon in 2022.
George Bukhari plays Keith. He’s perhaps best known for portraying Jason in Ordinary Lies, or Terry in The A Word. Coronation Street fans might recognise him as Sammy Farr, a role he played on and off between 2019 and 2022. More recently, he starred as DC Darren Lakhan in Ridley.
Anita Adam Gabay stars as Tasha. She’s been on our screens ever since 2021 when she played Lucy in the short film Part of Me. She went on to portray Julia in Baptiste, Queen Margaret of Anjou in Royal Bastards: Rise of the Tudors, and Anna Tatar in We Were the Lucky Ones.
Last but not least, actor Daniel Betts is DCI Roy. Jobbing actor Daniel recently played Greg in Emmerdale. He’s also starred opposite Sophie Rundle before, when he played Hinscliffe in Gentleman Jack. The actor has also appeared in Chloe, Angela Black, Atlantic Crossing, Sex Education, and A Confession.
