Downton Abbey star's 'gripping' detective drama has earned a spot on my watchlist

It's great news for detective drama fans as Channel 5 has announced the return of its acclaimed series, Cooper & Fry. 

The popular crime series will return with eight new episodes, with Downton Abbey's Robert James-Collier and Doctor Who's Mandip Gill reprising their roles as the unlikely detective duo, Ben Cooper and Diane Fry.

© Leanne Sullivan/Channel 5/Clapperboard Studios

The series, which first debuted on Channel 5 in November last year, is adapted from Stephen Booth's best-selling novels of the same name and follows the titular mismatched detectives as they delve into a string of eerie murder cases in the Peak District.

With its moody, misty setting, brilliant detective duo and string of dark mysteries, this twisty drama has earned a spot on my watchlist.

With filming officially underway on season two, find out all we know about the upcoming episodes below. 

What to expect from Cooper & Fry season 2

The new episodes will continue to follow unlikely detective duo Ben Cooper and Diane Fry, as they take on a fresh set of murder cases. 

© Leanne Sullivan/Channel 5/Clapperboard Studios

The new episodes will cover Booth's novels: The Devil's Edge, Fall Down Dead, One Last Breath and The Murder Road.

The synopsis reads: "Building on the unique friendship forged in series one, Ben and Diane will navigate cases steeped in the legendary folklore of the area, all while battling each other’s conflicting investigation styles and facing their complicated personal lives head on."

Who stars in season 2? 

Alongside Robert James-Collier and Mandip Gill, viewers can expect Lorcan Cranitch (Blue Lights) to return as DI Hitchens, while Charlotte Bradley (The Dry) reprises her role as Isobel Cooper. 

© Leanne Sullivan/Channel 5/Clapperboard Studios

Some new faces have joined the cast, including Pollyanna McIntosh-Goldthwait (The Walking Dead, Vikings: Valhalla) as DI Kim Armstrong, Scott Graham (Vikings, Redemption) as DC Gavin Murfin and Kathy Rose O’Brien (Small Town, Big Story, Deadly Cuts) as Liz Petty.

Reacting to the renewal news, Mandip said: "I'm thrilled to be returning to Cooper & Fry after the brilliant reaction to series one. It's a real pleasure to be working alongside Rob again and I’m excited for audiences to see where the story takes us this time."

© Instagram/@channel5

Robert echoed his co-star, adding that viewers can look forward to "lots more murders" and "all sorts of strange goings-on down in Edendale."

Meanwhile, executive producer Jonathan Hall of Clapperboard teased a "new set of  gripping murder mysteries," adding: "Steve Booth's fantastic novels are packed with memorable characters and atmospheric crimes that we’re looking forward to bringing to 5 soon." 

When will season 2 be released?

Filming on season two is now underway, with the series set to air on 5 in 2027.