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Keeley Hawes confirmed to join returning TV thriller as "notorious prisoner" along with Practical Magic 2 star

Hawes has joined the cast of Prisoner, alongside returning star Izuka Hoyle.

A shocked-looking Keeley Hawes in The Assassin season 2.

Prime Video.

Published: Monday, 2 November 2026 at 4:13 pm

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As production officially begins on the second season of Sky action-thriller Prisoner, it has been confirmed which star will be joining Izuka Hoyle as her new co-star.

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While season 1 starred Tahar Rahim, season 2 will star Keeley Hawes (The Assassin) as Dr Regan Weaver, a brilliant psychologist and notorious prisoner.

The new season has once again been written by creator Matt Charman (Hostage), along with deputy showrunner Sophie Petzal (The Last Kingdom).

The synopsis for season 2 says of Hoyle's character, prison transport officer Amber Todd: "Scarred by past events, Todd is struggling to move on and repair her fractured family when she becomes entangled in the expatriation of Dr Regan Weaver (Hawes), a brilliant psychologist and notorious prisoner.

"Framed for murder, Amber is forced to go on the run with Regan, and the two form an unexpected bond as they are hunted by criminals, governments and rogue police, all desperate to get their hands on Weaver and the secrets she has spent decades hiding."

Izuka Hoyle standing in a dark room, with a bloody cut to her head and wearing her prison officer uniform.

Izuka Hoyle in Prisoner. Sky

It has also been confirmed that Solly McLeod (Practical Magic 2), David Dawson (Elsinore) and Elijah Cook (The Diplomat) are joining the cast, while returning stars from season 1 include Catherine McCormack (28 Weeks Later), Leonie Benesch (September 5) and Finn Bennett (A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms).

Also back and rounding out the cast are Ken Nwosu (Black Doves), Daniel Betts (MobLand), Jessica Barker-Wren and Michele Austin (Hard Truths).

On the announcement of the cast and the start of production, Charman said: "Amber went to hell and back in season one, taking the audience with her every step of the way. But to raise the stakes in season two, we needed a prisoner who would push her further than ever.

"Having Keeley join us is a dream come true. She’s one of our finest actresses, and she is mesmerising as Dr Regan Weaver. And absolutely terrifying too."

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Meanwhile, Meghan Lyvers, managing director, scripted originals at Sky, added: "Matt and Sophie have created a gripping new chapter of Prisoner that takes the series in an even more ambitious direction and raises the stakes for Amber.

"Alongside our hugely talented creative team, we’re delighted to welcome the brilliant Keeley Hawes, Solly McLeod and David Dawson to the cast, joining the fantastic Izuka Hoyle and our returning ensemble. Sky’s audience was highly engaged with the first season, so we can’t wait for them to see what’s in store."

Prisoner season 1 is available to watch now on Sky and NOW. You can sign up to NOW from £4.99 a month.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of James Hibbs, smiling against a lime green background.

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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