Suranne Jones has taken to the skies in a second season of Tom Edge's nerve-shredding Vigil, as the new season focuses on drone warfare in six shiny new episodes.

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"We explore a world of moral and political compromises, ethical disagreements and clashing institutional priorities," said Edge of the new season.

"As with the first series, the meaning of 'loyalty' is a major theme. To whom or what do we owe our loyalty? Our loved ones, our conscience, the institution we serve, our country? How do we approach the duties that derive from these loyalties? And which legal and ethical boundaries might we have to transgress in order to fulfil them?

"These themes are made intensely personal for our protagonists. How far can each of them afford to go in the pursuit of justice? And what price might loyalty to principles exact from them?"

Some familiar faces have returned for season 2, with a host of new characters joining them.

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Read on for everything you need to know about Vigil season 2.

Vigil season 2 release date: When does it air?

The six-part run began on BBC One on Sunday 10th December at 9pm, with the first three episodes available to watch from 6am that morning on iPlayer.

The remaining three episodes will air on 17th, 18th and 19th December at 9pm on BBC One – with all three episodes also available to watch on iPlayer from 6am on 17th December.

All six episodes are now available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Vigil season 2 cast: Who stars?

Suranne Jones returns as DCI Amy Silva alongside Rose Leslie's Kirsten Longacre, Gary Lewis as DSU Robertson and Orla Russell as Amy's daughter Poppy.

Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie in Vigil season 2 standing in a forest looking shocked
Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie in Vigil season 2. BBC

The new cast is as follows:

  • Romola Garai as Eliza Russell
  • Dougray Scott as Marcus Grainger
  • Chris Jenks as Callum Barker
  • Anders Hayward as Colin Dixon
  • Shannon Hayes as Nicole Lawson
  • Oscar Salem as Captain Sattam Abdul Kader
  • Amir El-Masry as Daniel Ramsay
  • Jonathan Ajayi as Wes Harper
  • Nebras Jamali as Colonel Ali Bilali
  • Alastair Mackenzie as Chapman
  • Hiba Medina as Sabiha Chapman
  • Noof Ousellam as DS Paul Townsend
  • Tommy Sim'aan as Firas Zaman
  • Steven Elder as Derek McCabe
  • Orla Russell as Poppy
  • Khalid Laith Nicole as Abdullah Ghazali
  • Kamal Mustaffai as Mutaz
  • David Elliot as Sutherland

Vigil season 2 plot: What's it about?

Amy Silva standing next to Eliza Russell, who is dressed in military uniform, both looking off camera
Suranne Jones as Amy Silva and Romola Garai as Eliza Russell in Vigil season 2. BBC / World Productions / Jamie Simpson

Season 1 largely took place on board a submarine in the deepest depths of the ocean, but season 2 unfolds above ground, with the focus on deadly drones.

The official synopsis is as follows: "In a brand new investigation, DCI Amy Silva and DI Kirsten Longacre enter the world of drone warfare to catch a killer. Following multiple unexplained fatalities at a Scottish military facility, Silva and Longacre are tasked with uncovering the cause.

"Entering the hostile and closed ranks of the air force, the pair must face the deadly warfare of tomorrow as they fight for their own future."

Vigil season 2 trailer: Can I watch it?

Yes! The thrilling teaser is available to watch right now.

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Vigil continues on Sunday 17th December at 9pm on BBC One, with all six episodes available on BBC iPlayer from 6am that morning. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on.Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

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