The BBC has announced that Blue Lights will return for a second series with both new and returning cast members.

The broadcaster has shared what viewers can expect in the new series of the Belfast-based police drama as Grace, Annie and Tommy grow up fast as police officers. Nothing can prepare them for the turmoil they face every day though.

The second series is set a year after the fall of the McIntyre crime gang and the vacuum has been filled by rival gangs, all competing for dominance.

Constable Shane Bradley is drafted in to help, but his motivations are unclear. Tommy is dangerously seduced by the world of intelligence policing while Grace struggles to deal with her son’s absence and growing feelings for fellow officer Stevie.

As a young loyalist threatens to take over the city, the officers face a major gangland feud – culminating in a violent and devastating confrontation.

BBC announces Blue Lights cast list for series two

Returning cast members:

  • Siân Brooke as Grace Ellis
  • Martin McCann as Stevie Neil
  • Katherine Devlin as Annie Conlon
  • Nathan Braniff as Tommy Foster
  • Joanne Crawford as Helen McNally
  • Andi Osho as Sandra Cliff
  • Hannah McClean as Jen Robinson
  • Paddy Jenkins as Happy Kelly
  • Desmond Eastwood as Murray Canning
  • Andrea Irvine as Nicola Robinson
  • Aoibhéann McCann as Geraldine Gilroy
  • Abigail McGibbon as Tina McIntyre

New cast members:

  • Frank Blake (The Border, Normal People) as new Constable Shane Bradley
  • Seamus O’Hara (An Irish Goodbye) as Lee Thompson
  • Seána Kerslake (Bad Sisters, Ballywalter) as Lee’s sister Mags
  • Craig McGinlay (Cobra) as Lee’s right-hand man Craig
  • Dan Gordon (Bloodlands) playing Mags and Lee’s Uncle Rab

Following his Casualty departure, Derek Thompson makes a return to his hometown of Belfast to guest star in the new series as Robin Graham, a retired police officer.

Watch series 2 trailer for Blue Lights

How to watch the second series of Blue Lights

The BBC has announced that the first episode of Blue Light's second series will air at 9pm on Monday, April 15 on BBC One.

All episodes will become available to watch on BBC iPlayer at 6am on the same day.

Stephen Wright, Executive Producer, Creative Director and Joint CEO of Two Cities Television says: "I am so proud of series one and delighted by the audience response.

“I am looking forward to bringing our characters and the city of Belfast back for series two as well as introducing some exciting new characters and storylines to the fans.”

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Louise Gallagher, Executive Producer and Founder, Gallagher Films, said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the response to the first series of Blue Lights. The feedback from the viewers has been more than I ever could have wished for.

“I am very grateful to the BBC for the opportunity to make a second series and I'm excited about sharing our new stories and revealing where our officers are one year on.”

Nick Lambon, BBC Drama Commissioning Editor, Northern Ireland, says: “We can’t wait for viewers to join another shift with the fantastic returning cast of Blue Lights, as well as meet some surprising new recruits to the team.

“Declan and Adam’s scripts promise new dangers and high-stakes drama for all our officers, proving that a year into the job, these rookies still have a lot more to learn.”