Shetland star joins BBC's 'phenomenal' detective drama


Filming is underway on the second season of the BBC's popular detective drama, Rebus, starring Richard Rankin as the younger version of Ian Rankin's iconic detective


man in dark clothing standing in warehouse© CREDIT LINE:BBC/Eleventh Hour Films/Mark Mainz
Nicky Morris
Nicky MorrisActing TV and Film Editor
2 minutes ago
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Filming is officially underway on series two of the BBC's hit Scottish detective drama, Rebus, with Richard Rankin returning as the gritty, younger version of Ian Rankin's iconic detective as he investigates crime in Edinburgh. 

After its hit debut season, which drew 6.3 million viewers, I've got high hopes for the next chapter. Fans of the twisty, Edinburgh-set crime drama can also look forward to some fresh faces in the cast, including Shetland's Stephen McCole and Coronation Street's John Michie. 

John Rebus (RICHARD RANKIN)© BBC/Eleventh Hour Films/Mark Mainz
Filming has commenced on season two

Keep reading to find out everything we know about season two so far.

What to expect from season two

Season two continues to explore Rebus' "complex world as he navigates Scottish crime and personal conflict". 

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The synopsis continues: "Series two explores the links between violent criminals and the professional bourgeois world of law and finance, where police sometimes fear to tread."

Richard as John Rebus© Mark Mainz
Richard Rankin stars as John Rebus

Leading star Richard said it's "a genuine pleasure" to reprise the role alongside old and new faces. 

"We're welcoming some fantastic new talent this season, and it's already exciting to see the energy, ideas and depth they're bringing to the story," he said. 

Will you be watching?© Mark Mainz
Brian Ferguson will reprise her role as Michael Rebus

"What I've always loved about Rebus is that he’s such a richly complex character," continued the actor. "He's fiercely driven, deeply flawed, endlessly determined and often at war with himself. Returning to him, there's still so much to discover, with many, many layers of the character left to explore. This next chapter promises to challenge him in ways that I'm really looking forward to bringing to life."

Who stars in Rebus season two? 

Richard Rankin, best known for his role in Outlander, returns as John Rebus. 

The new faces joining him alongside John Michie and Stephen McCole are Emily Barber (The Wayfinders, Mobland), Lorne MacFadyen (Starstruck, Operation Mincemeat), Conor Berry (Vigil, Karen Pirie), Ivan Ivashkin (The Capture, Bloods), Olga Safronova (The Fatigued, Second Spring), Douglas Russell (Adolescence, Department Q), Alexis Rodney (Death In Paradise, Mix Tape), Reece Montague (The Primrose Railway Children) and Joshua Haynes (Crime, Granite Harbour).

See the first look here© Mark Mainz
Lucie Shorthouse will return as DC Siobhan Clarke

Meanwhile, reprising their roles from season one are Brian Ferguson as Michael Rebus, Lucie Shorthouse as DC Siobhan Clarke, Amy Manson as Rhona Moncrieffe, Neshla Caplan as Chrissie Rebus, Stuart Bowman as Ger Cafferty, Noof Ousellam as Darryl Christie, Thoren Ferguson as Malcolm Fox, Mia McKenzie as Sammy Rebus, Andrew John Tait as Neil MacKenzie and Cassidy Little as Cammy.

When will season 2 be released?

Filming is due to take place in and around Edinburgh and Glasgow over the coming months, with the series arriving on BBC iPlayer, BBC One and BBC Scotland next year. 

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