(L-R) Jock McDiarmid (Mark Rowley), Johnny Copper (Jacob McCarthy), Reg Seekings (Theo Barklem-Biggs), Anthony Greville-Bell (Stuart Thompson), Dave Kershaw (Bobby Schofield), Pat Riley (Jacob Ifan), Jim Almonds (Corin Silva) and Paddy Mayne (Jack O’Connell). Behind: Bill Fraser (Stuart Campbell) and supporting artists. (Image: BBC/Banijay Rights/Robert Viglasky)
Images Provided by BBC Press
By Jon Donnis
The BBC has unveiled first-look images from the highly anticipated second series of SAS Rogue Heroes, Steven Knight's celebrated World War Two drama. Building on the success of its debut, the series promises more exhilarating action, intense drama, and gripping storylines as the SAS face new challenges on unfamiliar terrain. The show, produced by Kudos for BBC One and BBC iPlayer, returns under the same creative leadership, bringing history to life in a thrilling and unapologetically bold manner.
Paddy Mayne (Jack O’Connell). (Image: BBC/Banijay Rights/Dino Sertovic)
The Story Continues in 1943
The second series picks up in Spring 1943, as the Special Air Service (SAS) must adapt to a new theatre of war. Paddy Mayne, played by Jack O'Connell, steps into command after David Stirling's capture by enemy forces. The regiment, now operating across mainland Europe, faces both external enemies and internal doubts. General Headquarters (GHQ) have questioned the unit's future, while the arrival of a second SAS regiment and new recruits add to the tensions within the ranks. The team must prove that the SAS is not only crucial in the war against the Axis powers but adaptable enough to meet challenges in whatever theatre the conflict may take them.
The introduction of these high stakes is likely to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, continuing the blend of explosive action, gripping suspense, and sharp character dynamics that made the first series a hit.
Bill Stirling (Gwilym Lee) and Paddy Mayne (Jack O’Connell). (Image: BBC/Banijay Rights/Robert Viglasky)
Returning Cast and New Faces
The original ensemble cast returns for the new series, including Jack O'Connell as Paddy Mayne, Connor Swindells as David Stirling, Sofia Boutella as Eve Mansour, and Dominic West as the wily Dudley Clarke. These performances, widely praised in the first season, helped to cement the show's critical success and give weight to its depiction of wartime struggles.
The new series also welcomes a host of exciting new faces. Gwilym Lee (known for The Great and Bohemian Rhapsody) steps into the role of Bill Stirling, David Stirling's brother and founder of the 2SAS regiment. Alongside him, Con O'Neill (from Happy Valley and Our Flag Means Death) will portray the formidable General Montgomery.
Mark Rowley (The Last Kingdom) and Jack Barton (Heartstopper) are among the fresh recruits, playing SAS members Jock McDiarmid and John Tonkin respectively, while other new additions include Stuart Thompson (The Witcher), Paolo De Vita (Anonymous), and Anna Manuelli (Blocco 181).
David Stirling (Connor Swindells). (Image: BBC/Banijay Rights/Robert Viglasky)
Steven Knight's Vision Returns
Steven Knight, known for his distinctive narrative style in series such as Peaky Blinders and Taboo, returns to helm the second series of SAS Rogue Heroes as both writer and executive producer. With his signature blend of action, depth, and historical context, Knight once again elevates the genre of war drama, creating a dynamic, character-driven series that breaks free from traditional WWII storytelling. The show has already distinguished itself with its audacious approach, blending heart-pounding action with moments of dark humour and profound human emotion.
Eve Mansour (Sofia Boutella). (Image: BBC/Banijay Rights/Ludovic Robert)
Behind the Scenes and Production
Returning producer Stephen Smallwood (The Serpent) and director Stephen Woolfenden (Outlander) bring cinematic flair to the second series, shot on location in Croatia and the UK. Their expertise, alongside the talents of the cast and crew, has helped maintain the high production values that made the first season so visually captivating.
As part of the BBC's autumn line-up, SAS Rogue Heroes is expected to attract even larger audiences after the first season averaged 6.8 million viewers per episode. The series has also garnered international attention, with MGM+ set to release it in the United States, and distribution rights managed by Banijay Rights for a global audience.
Paddy Mayne (Jack O’Connell), Dudley Clarke (Dominic West), and Eve Mansour (Sofia Boutella). (Image: BBC/Banijay Rights/Robert Viglasky)
Critical Acclaim and Anticipation
Series one of SAS Rogue Heroes was met with widespread acclaim, earning five-star reviews and being described as "a rollicking tale" by NME and "a blast" by The Daily Telegraph. The show's ability to fuse thrilling combat scenes with intricate character development was hailed as a breath of fresh air in the war drama genre.
With the return of Steven Knight's creative direction and a mix of returning and new cast members, series two is shaping up to be another standout success. Fans of the show and history buffs alike will be eagerly awaiting the explosive continuation of the SAS's wartime adventures, ready for a drama that refuses to play it safe.
Reg Seekings (Theo Barklem-Biggs) and Dave Kershaw (Bobby Schofield). (Image: BBC/Banijay Rights/Ludovic Robert)
Coming Soon
Series two of SAS Rogue Heroes will be released soon on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK, and MGM+ in the US. If series one was anything to go by, expect this to be another thrilling chapter in one of the BBC's most exciting dramas to date. Keep an eye out for further updates and release dates as anticipation builds for the SAS's next daring mission.
John Tonkin (Jack Barton). (Image: BBC/Banijay Rights/Robert Viglasky)
Reg Seekings (Theo Barklem-Biggs). (Image: BBC/Banijay Rights)
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