What happened to Richard Armitage's Dr Matthew Nolan in Red Eye?

ITV drama Red Eye has brought back an original cast member for a surprise appearance, with season 2 episode 5 revealing what became of Dr Matthew Nolan (played by Richard Armitage).

The character was a central figure in the first instalment, which focused on his sabotaged extradition flight to China with detective Hana Li (Jing Lusi) as his police chaperone.

However, Armitage had been omitted from the cast list and publicity materials for season 2, leading most viewers to assume that the actor had parted ways with the Red Eye team.

When the episodes dropped on ITVX yesterday, this was proven to be a ruse – although it is true that Armitage's role is much smaller this time around. Here's what you need to know.

What happened to Richard Armitage's Dr Matthew Nolan in Red Eye?

Dr Matthew Nolan narrowly escaped Red Eye season 1 with his life, and is last seen recovering from a gunshot wound in hospital. Season 2 gives us an update on how he's doing in a surprise guest appearance.

To recap, the relationship between Hana and Matthew was cold to start with as the latter had been accused of murdering a Chinese woman whilst attending a medical conference in Beijing.

Hana regarded Matthew with great suspicion over the charge, but as passengers on the extradition flight from London to China began being picked off, it became apparent that there was more to this case than meets the eye.

The truth was that 'The Good Doctor' had become a pawn of both British and American intelligence.

To the Brits, he was unwittingly used as a courier for intel on Chinese medical technology, but he was framed by the Americans, as collateral damage in a plan to weaken ties between the UK and China, on the eve of a landmark nuclear deal.

The conspiracy was exposed, with disgraced CIA agent Mike Maxwell (Mido Hamada) going down for his involvement, but not before landing a near-fatal shot on Nolan.

When he awoke in hospital, the doctor asked Hana if she would go on a date with him – having endured quite an ordeal of a 'meet-cute' – but turns to find that she has fallen asleep. Opting not to disturb her, he simply lets her rest.

Given this ending, which hinted at more ground to cover in Hana and Matthew's relationship, it's somewhat surprising that the Good Doctor doesn't have a large role in season 2.

Speaking to RadioTimes.com at the time of the show's debut, Armitage even suggested a path forward for his character should the espionage thriller be recommissioned.

"Matthew, in season 1, is very much the prisoner and is trying to prove his innocence," he said. "I would like to see him utilised, perhaps by the British government; activated by the British government because of where he's been and what he knows."

Red Eye screenwriter Peter A Dowling ultimately took a different route.

Is Richard Armitage in Red Eye season 2?

Yes, Richard Armitage does appear in Red Eye season 2, but in a much smaller capacity than before.

The character makes a surprise appearance in the penultimate episode of the season, where he comes to the aid of Jess Li (Jemma Moore) and MI5 agent Ruth Banks (Cash Holland), who has suffered a gunshot wound.

Performing a makeshift medical procedure in his kitchen, we see just how resourceful the doctor can be under intense pressure, which could well remind British intelligence of his potential value in future operations.

"He's basically able to improvise major trauma surgery, with a bag of saline from his fridge and a left over suturing kit from his bag," explains Armitage. "It says a lot about him!"

In a bid to keep his appearance a secret, Matthew Nolan was referred to by a codename on the call sheet during production, and Armitage wouldn't be opposed to that pseudonym making it into the world of the show, too.

"My character on the call sheet was referred to as 'The Professor' so maybe in the future evolution of Red Eye that will stick," he continued. "The cast and crew of Red Eye are absolute troopers. It was like a fun family reunion with blood, cannulas and gory SFX."

One plot thread that seems to have been dropped is the last-minute suggestion of romance between Matthew and Hana – which was a very random inclusion, in this viewer's opinion.

Red Eye season 2 premieres on ITV1 and ITVX on New Year's Day 2026.

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