Nicholas Gleaves is currently captivating audiences with his portrayal of the villainous Sergeant Phil Mackie in the second series of ITV's gripping drama After the Flood. The show, which has returned with a compelling new storyline, features Gleaves in a pivotal antagonistic role that adds significant tension to the narrative.
The Intriguing Plot of After the Flood Series Two
The drama continues to follow Detective Jo, now newly promoted, as she embarks on a complex murder investigation in the town of Waterside. With the community facing dual threats from moorland fires and potential flooding, a body is discovered under mysterious circumstances. Jo's determined pursuit of the killer brings her into direct conflict with the town's powerful elite, transforming the investigation into a deeply personal mission.
To expose long-standing corruption within the local police force and her own family history, Jo must operate covertly, evading the watchful eyes of Sergeant Phil Mackie and his associates. This cat-and-mouse dynamic forms the core of the series' suspenseful atmosphere.
Nicholas Gleaves: A Distinguished Acting Career
The 57-year-old actor brings considerable experience to his role as the formidable Sergeant Mackie. Gleaves has built an impressive career spanning both film and television over several decades.
His filmography includes notable appearances in 2006's Starter for 10, 2008's Incendiary, 2011's Captain America: The First Avenger, and 2019's Spider-Man: Far From Home. On television, audiences may recognise him from various significant roles.
These include Rick Powell in Playing the Field from 1998 to 2002, Duncan in The Queen's Nose in 2003, and Ray Fairburn in Conviction in 2004. Further television work encompasses Tom Bedford in The Chase from 2006 to 2007 and DS Gary Tate in City Lights in 2007.
Additional prominent roles in his extensive career feature James Whitaker in Survivors, DS Andy Roper in Scott & Bailey, Roger Penhaligon MP in Bodyguard, and Duncan Radfield in Coronation Street. More recent performances include William Wyatt in The Rising and Allen Feraday in The Bombing of Pan Am 103.
The Gleaves-Sharp Household: A Power Couple of Acting
Remarkably, Nicholas Gleaves is not the only acclaimed performer in his family. He has been married since 1994 to the highly respected actress Lesley Sharp, with whom he shares two children. Sharp has established her own formidable reputation within the industry.
Now 65, Lesley Sharp is perhaps best known for her celebrated role as Detective Constable Janet Scott in the ITV crime drama Scott & Bailey. Her television career showcases remarkable versatility and depth.
Lesley Sharp's Notable Roles
Her extensive television work includes memorable performances as Trudy Graham in Clocking Off, Rose Cooper in Bob & Rose, and Alison Mundy in Afterlife. She has also portrayed Louisa Evans in Carrie's War, Julie Bede in The Shadow Line, and Lucy Cannonbury in Paranoid.
More recently, audiences have seen her as DC Margaret Oliver in the powerful drama Three Girls, Rosalind in Fate: The Winx Saga, and DG Madeline Delaney in Red Eye. Her film career is equally distinguished.
Sharp's cinematic appearances include Michelle in Rita, Sue and Bob Too, Jean in the iconic The Full Monty, Jessica Barnes in Vera Drake, Morwenna in Catherine Called Birdy, and Peggy in Pillion. This collective body of work underscores her status as one of Britain's most accomplished actresses.
Viewing Details for After the Flood
The second series of After the Flood continues to air weekly, with episodes broadcast on Sundays and Mondays on ITV at 9pm. For those preferring to binge-watch or catch up, all episodes are available for streaming on the ITVX platform.
The combination of Nicholas Gleaves' compelling performance as the antagonist, the drama's tense environmental and personal stakes, and the fascinating background of its cast members makes this series a must-watch for fans of British television drama.
