Netflix has announced two major updates, both starring Happy Valley actress Sarah Lancashire.
Netflix viewers have been left thrilled after a first-look trailer at Black Doves season two dropped.
The spy thriller series, starring Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw and Sarah Lancashire, first aired in December 2024, and now, two years later, a second is due to follow on November 5.
It sees Love Actually star Keira as Helen, the wife of the government’s Defence Secretary, who finds herself in danger as her identity as a secret spy is put at risk when her lover is killed.
The synopsis for season two teases: “Helen is still betraying her nation’s secrets to the covert organisation she serves: the Black Doves. But after the misadventures of last Christmas, and with her husband Wallace (Andrew Buchan), preparing to become Prime Minister, she is walking a more treacherous line than ever.
“As Helen’s enigmatic handler Mrs Reed (Sarah Lancashire) is ensnared in a ruthless plot to undermine her position in the Black Doves, Helen is reunited with her best friend Sam (Ben Whishaw). The once high-end triggerman is now reduced to lonely drinks in Soho bars and low-rate hits.
“As they search for answers, loyalties are weaponised, trust is shattered, and the fight to protect the people they love could cost everything. With all the explosive wit of series 1, Helen and Sam’s mission leads them back to old friends and enemies, through the dark decisions and painful sacrifices of their pasts, and right to the heart of the Black Doves.”
The new trailer begins with Helen coming to terms with her new role as the Prime Minister’s wife, while Reed warns her: “Stay good at lying, that’s my advice, for both our sakes.”
“Finally wait is OVER,” one fan wrote. Another commented: “It’s about time. Prepare season 3 immediately.” Someone else said: “Can’t wait to see more of Keira Knightley in action.”
Yet another said: “Now this is what a second season should look like…”, as one fan added: “I cannot wait! The first series rocked.” Another viewer echoed: “Keira Knightley absolutely owning this role. Easily one of Netflix’s best spy thrillers!!”
The season two cast also includes Kathryn Hunter, Ella Lily Hyland, Gabrielle Creevy, Agnes O’Casey, Ambika Mod, Babou Ceesay, Sam Riley, Neve Campbell, Sylvia Hoeks, Goran Kostic and Samuel Barnett.
As well as Black Doves, Happy Valley actress Sarah is set to lead the cast of another Netflix series, Witch Hunt. Penned by the creator of The Split, Abi Morgan, the synopsis reads: “When August Howell, a descendent of the ‘Witch of Cambridge’ is released after three decades in prison for drowning her three young daughters, she comes home to a community who does not want her back.
“But when concern grows that her return has triggered a modern day witch hunt in the university town, the police must turn to August’s last surviving daughter, Professor Wren Howell, academic and investigative psychologist to help find the killer as past resentments and local folklore collide.”
Sarah said: “I’m thrilled to be working with Abi Morgan, Jane Featherstone, SISTER Pictures and Netflix on Witch Hunt. It’s a brilliantly imagined and utterly compelling story, with a deeply complex character at its heart. There’s so much to explore in August, and I can’t wait to begin.”
Abi added: “I am delighted to be bringing Witch Hunt to Netflix. A dark, yet emotionally charged love story between August Howell, newly released from prison for murdering her children, and the daughter she has left behind, after thirty years inside.
“I last worked with Sarah Lancashire over 25 years ago. I have been chasing the perfect role for her ever since. This is it. I can’t think of anyone better to embody the terrifying tenderness of ’the Witch of Cambridge.’ It’s gothic horror meets dark thriller laced with modern day witchcraft, raising the question can August ever be forgiven for her crime?”
Black Doves season 2 lands on Netflix on November 5
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