Channel 5's dark cat-and-mouse thriller, The Game, starring Grantchester's Robson Green and Line of Duty's Jason Watkins, is returning for a second season.
The series, which aired in May last year and was one of 5's top performing dramas, follows retired detective Huw, who becomes convinced that his new neighbour Patrick is the serial killer he failed to catch in the one case that still haunts him.
© david herranz & UNAI MATEO / Clapperboard Studios / © 5 Broadcasting LimitedThe thriller, which received three and four-star reviews upon its release last year, is seriously entertaining, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked right until the end.
Filming is underway on the second season, which has added a host of new faces to its cast. Meanwhile, Toby Frow (Death in Paradise, Midsomer Murders) and Tom Grieves (Being Human, No Offence) will return as director and writer respectively.
Keep reading to find out more…
What happens in season two?
Season one ended on a major cliffhanger, with Huw's fate hanging in the balance after being brutally stabbed by Patrick, who was revealed to be the Ripton Stalker.
When we last saw Huw, he was lying in his wife's arms waiting for the paramedics to arrive, while Patrick was led away by the police in handcuffs. "So sorry it took me so long," Huw told his wife. "But I got there in the end."
© david herranz & UNAI MATEO / Clapperboard Studios / © 5 Broadcasting LimitedSeries two is set one year later, with former detective Huw having survived the brutal attack.
Having finally escaped the psychological grip of serial killer Patrick, who is now safely behind bars, Huw is living in an isolated house by the sea with his wife, Alice.
The synopsis continues: "Huw is determined to rebuild a quiet life, far from the violence that nearly destroyed them. But peace, he soon realises, is an illusion."
What to expect from the second season
Teasing the new season, Robson said audiences are in for a "brilliant ride". "Stepping back into the world of The Game for series two is an exciting challenge," said the actor. "Just when you thought it was over, Patrick is back pulling strings with a vengeance. 5 audiences are in for another brilliant ride."
His co-star Jason added: "Huw has been through the mill and there's no let-up this series. I'm excited to get my teeth into what's ahead for him."
© david herranz & UNAI MATEO / Clapperboard Studios / © 5 Broadcasting LimitedPaul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, 5 described the show as a "dark thriller," while Rachel Gesua, Senior Executive Producer for the production company Clapperboard, added: "The performances of Robson Green and Jason Watkins elevated the show to something unmissable, and I can't wait to take this to the next level."
Speaking to HELLO! and other press ahead of season one, Robson revealed that he was inspired by American serial killer, Joseph James DeAngelo, when preparing for the role.
"I'm addicted to true crime. I'm really interested in people's MOs and destructive behaviour and how it destroys other people," he said. "There was only one man I looked at: Joseph James DeAngelo, the original night stalker in LA.
© UNAI MATEO / Clapperboard Studios SPV 5 Ltd / © Channel 5 Broadcasting Limited"He would go into people's houses and leave the door open, or he would put an ornament from another house in their house and, and just mess with people's minds. He'd wait two weeks before he'd go back in and do it again."
The actor continued: "It was really interesting that he got his satisfaction, emotional response and validation in life through playing these games, and slowly but surely destroying people psychologically and then in the end, killing them."
Who stars in season two?
BAFTA-winning actor Jason Watkins (Coma, W1A) and acclaimed actor Robson Green (Grantchester, Strike Back) will reprise their roles as Huw and Patrick.
© GettySunetra Sarker (Ackley Bridge, Casualty), Indy Lewis (Industry, King and Conqueror) and Amber James (Vera, Grace) will also return.
Viewers can expect some new faces in season two, including Sonny Ashbourne Serkis (Masters of the Air, The Witcher), Tanya Franks (Broadchurch, Pulling), Dominic Rowan (The Crown, Catastrophe), Amanda Bright (Buccaneers, Breeders), Richard Pepple (The Hack, The Rig), Carl Rice (Brassic, Deep Water), and Connor Calland (Adolescence, Stay Close).
Season two of The Game will air on 5 later this year. A release date has yet to be announced.
