ITV's gripping drama After the Flood is set to make a dramatic return for its second season, and the show's authentic Northern backdrop is once again a central character. The series, which stars Sophie Rundle as Detective Jo Marshall, will premiere on Sunday, 18 January, on ITV and STV, with streaming available on ITVX and STV Player.
The Fictional Town of Waterside Comes to Life
The drama unfolds in the fictional moorland town of Waterside, a community grappling with the long-term consequences of climate change. For the production, the search for the perfect setting led the crew to the North West of England. The majority of locations representing Waterside were found in Glossop, with several key spots also identified in Littleborough.
The imposing moorland that features prominently in the series, reflecting the rising threat of fires and flooding, is the real moorland near Wardle, Rochdale. This choice of location was deliberate, as writer Mick Ford explained, aiming to root the drama in areas where real-life climate events are occurring to enhance authenticity.
Expanding the Filming Map for Series Two
For the new season, the production expanded its footprint across the region. Additional filming for series two took place at the picturesque Alderley Edge and at Jackdaw Quarry in Capernwray. Scenes were also shot in Wythenshawe, Cheadle, and Clitheroe, showcasing the diverse landscapes of Greater Manchester and Lancashire.
Ford praised the North West as a "beautiful character" to the story, noting its visual appeal juxtaposed with its vulnerability to flooding. He credited the local cast and crew's understanding of regional issues as a key factor in creating a compelling and realistic narrative.
A New Chapter for Detective Jo Marshall
The second series picks up with a newly promoted Jo Marshall thrust into a "baffling" new murder investigation. As tensions rise in Waterside, a body is discovered under strange circumstances. Jo's pursuit of the truth brings her into conflict with powerful local forces and uncovers a deep-seated corruption within the town's police force that hits close to home.
The stellar cast sees the return of Sophie Rundle, alongside Nicholas Gleaves as the corrupt PC Phil Mackie, Lorraine Ashbourne as Molly Marshall, and Philip Glenister as Jack Radcliffe. They are joined this season by new faces including Alun Armstrong as Alan Benson, Jill Halfpenny as DS Sam Bradley, and Ian Puleston-Davies as Councillor Tony Rower.
Viewers can expect a potent mix of murder mystery and moral dilemmas, set against a community trying to rebuild after disaster. As Ford summarises, the season examines "how people carry on after disaster, when the waters have gone but the damage remains." Fans can catch up on the first series on ITVX and STV Player ahead of the new season's debut.
