BBC Call the Midwife legend returns tonight in 'gripping' new detective drama

Tonight, ITV is launching the second season of its popular detective drama, complete with a star-studded cast. Described as a "gripping crime thriller", the upcoming season of Ridley sees Line of Duty's Adrian Dunbar return in the titular role of Alex Ridley.

Joining him in the cast is Call the Midwife icon Georgie Glen, who plays Miss Millicent Higgins in the BBC drama, as Dr Wendy Newstone. Meanwhile, Death in Paradise actress Bronagh Waugh will star alongside Dunbar as DI Carol Farman.

Also joining the cast lineup are George Bukhari, who previously portrayed Sammy Farr in Coronation street, as DC Darren Lakhan, and Midsomer Murders actress Julie Graham as Annie Marling.

Ridley has been billed as a "twisty" mystery drama, following retired detective Alex Ridley after he is brought back into the police force as a consultant, with the team relying on his extensive knowledge to solve difficult cases.

The show was renewed by ITV back in 2022 and its second season is anticipated to make a splash on the small screen tonight.

Ridley season 2 will debut with a two-hour episode titled 'A Sleeping Tiger' and is the first of four feature-length instalments.

The episode will see Ridley investigate a high-stakes jewellery heist that turns into a mysterious murder case.

Ridley is also a character grieving the death of his wife and daughter, with Dunbar previously speaking about how his backstory is important in highlighting the issues around men's mental health.

He told Digital Spy at the time: "I think a lot of men feel that they should just be able to kind of deal with stuff on their own and bury it and somehow work their way through it.

"But it takes a big toll on yourself. So you'll see him [Ridley] crumble quite a bit, especially when he's on his own. He finds it very difficult, and I suppose getting back to work is the start of a healing process."

"I think people should [take that away]. Isolation is a big deal, especially in rural areas. A lot of men in particular who are isolated if they're alone. They do suffer greatly."

Despite picking up plenty of fans, season 1 of Ridley received decidedly mixed reviews, with the Daily Telegraph savagely commenting: "If you were playing a detective drama drinking game while watching Ridley, you'd have needed your stomach pumped by the second ad break."

The Sunday Times said: "A curious mix of the formulaic and the flamboyant, plodding conventionality and vaulting ambition - rendered all the weirder by its central reliance on a strange blend of wine-bar karaoke and bland Irish balladry."

While the Metro added: "By the time the first episode is over, you'll be begging Monday morning to save you."

However, other reviews were more positive, with The Guardian writing: "All the pieces are smoothly set in motion."

The Wall Street Journal reasoned: "Let us say that the oft-times convoluted plot and the occasional absurdity are worth enduring for the personalities - Morse, Thursday and the wonderfully dry police pathologist, Dr. Max DeBryn (James Bradshaw)."

Meanwhile, one fan opined: "The show has its shortfalls and aspects of detective work and precinct accessibility that do not ring true, but it is entertaining with twists & turns, serious and lightheartedness blended with sentimental moments."

Another viewer reflected: "Broad in its sweep and stirring in its storytelling, Ridley represents a person's search for justice, no matter the personal or professional cost."

The first episode of Ridley season 2 airs tonight at 8pm on ITV1, while all four episodes will be able to watch on ITVX.