ITV's high-octane crime drama Red Eye is officially set for a third series, with writer Peter A Dowling confirming the news and revealing which core cast members will be back for more action.
Confirmed Return for Key Characters
Following the intense finale of the show's second season, which aired on Monday, 12 January 2026, fans can rejoice. Dowling has confirmed that Jing Lusi will reprise her role as DS Hana Li, alongside Lesley Sharp as MI5 chief Madeline Delaney and Jemma Moore as journalist Jess Li. This central trio will remain at the heart of the story as the drama aims to complete a cinematic 'trilogy'.
The second series, which premiered on New Year's Day 2026, shifted the action from a plane to a locked-down US Embassy in London. A murdered diplomatic courier at Heathrow triggered a deadly infiltration, forcing Hana Li to partner with embassy security head Agent Brody, played by guest star Martin Compston.
A Vision for a Cinematic Trilogy
Writer Peter A Dowling, who comes from a background in American film, has always treated Red Eye as a long-form movie. He stated his initial pitch was to create "an American summer blockbuster for ITV", a style that has clearly resonated with audiences, making it one of the channel's top ten dramas of 2024.
On the potential for a third series, Dowling expressed clear excitement: "I'm as excited as anyone to see what trouble Hana, Delaney and Jess will find themselves in next. And in true movie form, we have to aim for Red Eye to be a trilogy."
What to Expect in the New Series
While specific plot details for season three are under wraps, executive producer Julie Gardner hinted at the early development stages. She confirmed the team has a compelling "world, a lockbox location, and a tight time frame" in mind for the next chapter of the story involving Hana, Delaney, and Jess.
Following the guest-starring patterns of Richard Armitage in series one and Martin Compston in series two, it is highly likely that a new star-studded guest cast will be introduced to join the returning leads. No broadcast date for the new series has been announced, but production talks are now firmly underway.
The confirmation ensures that the propulsive, escapist storytelling that defined the first two seasons will continue, promising another tightly plotted, location-based thriller for ITV and ITVX viewers.
