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- Ludwig season 2 confirms Extras legend Stephen Merchant for "cocky" role in with new first look
Ludwig season 2 confirms Extras legend Stephen Merchant for "cocky" role in with new first look
This snooker champ presents a tough challenge for John.
Big Talk Studios / BBC
- David Craig
Published: Thursday, 6 August 2026 at 4:00 pm
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David Mitchell's hit series Ludwig has announced a high-profile guest star for season 2, with comedy legend Stephen Merchant set to join the cast.
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The series follows puzzle expert John 'Ludwig' Taylor, who is drawn into the world of policing after the disappearance of his identical twin brother James, a detective chief inspector.
After being drafted to impersonate his lost sibling by sister-in-law Lucy (Anna Maxwell Martin), season 2 finds John operating under his own identity – but still unravelling difficult cases for the Cambridge police.
One of those will involve "cocky snooker champion" Danny Sloane (played by Merchant), who will be "at odds with John" in the fourth episode of Ludwig season 2. But does his hostility indicate criminal wrongdoing?
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Merchant rose to stardom in a comedic partnership with Ricky Gervais, where the two of them created The Office (UK), Extras and Life's Too Short, in addition to 2010 film Cemetery Junction and a podcast-turned-animation.
Since their creative separation, Merchant has earned praise for HBO's Hello Ladies, Taika Waititi's Jojo Rabbit and BBC One's The Outlaws, while he's also flexed his dramatic muscles in superhero sequel Logan and true crime series Four Lives.
It's safe to assume that Danny Sloane will be one of his lighter roles, uniting him with fellow comedy great Mitchell for the first time in a scripted project. (They had previously appeared together in an episode of Mitchell's panel show Would I Lie to You?.)
With the exciting announcement, the BBC released two images of Merchant as Sloane, assessing a snooker table as he prepares to take his shot.
Stephen Merchant stars in Ludwig season 2 Big Talk Studios / BBC
If the appearance leaves you wanting more from Merchant, look out for his upcoming romantic comedy (as-yet-untitled), which co-stars Cameron Diaz and Rob Lowe.
Ludwig season 2 is coming to BBC One and iPlayer on Thursday 20 August 2026.
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Authors
David CraigSenior Drama Writer
David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.
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