BBC One's hit detective series Ludwig is returning for a second series, with new cast members including actors from Line of Duty and Fleabag. David Mitchell and Anna Maxwell Martin are both returning to their roles as John 'Ludwig' Taylor and his sister-in-law Lucy Betts-Taylor.
Returning and New Cast Members
Returning alongside them for the second series are Dipo Ola as DCI Russell Carter, Dylan Hughes as Henry Betts-Taylor, Dorothy Atkinson as DCS Carol Shaw, Ralph Ineson as Chief Constable Ziegler, and Karl Pilkington as DI Matt Neville.
New to the drama are Shetland and Dept. Q star Mark Bonnar, taking on the role of newspaper editor Gareth Fisher, alongside Fleabag favourite Sian Clifford, who portrays local MP Joanne Kemper.
Sian Clifford as Joanne Kemper
Sian portrays local MP Joanne Kemper. Kenton said of casting Sian: "When we were trying to cast Joanne Kemper, we wanted somebody who had a brilliant ability with wit and irreverence but also a steely exterior and slightly intimidating, and Sian leapt into our brains. We're obviously huge fans of Sian from her work on Fleabag. Sian brings a steeliness and a directness and a playfulness to Joanne Kempner that we think is delicious. Is she a baddie or is she a goodie?"
Sian is most recognised for her performance as Claire, the elder sister of the main character in the BBC comedy-drama Fleabag. She has also featured as Martha Crawley in Vanity Fair and Diana Ingram in the ITV drama Quiz. Additional significant parts include Terry Leyland in The Miniature Wife, Anna in Unstable and Maude in Everyone Else Burns. Her film work encompasses The Ballad of Wallis Island and Lady, where she takes on the role of Lady Isabella.
Mark Bonnar as Gareth Fisher
Mark portrays newspaper editor Gareth Fisher. Speaking about Mark joining the cast, executive director Kenton Allen said: "Mark Bonnar is an absolute delight and working with him is a joy. He brings another dimension to Ludwig, which is a dishevelled brilliance."
The Scottish actor has appeared in a string of major television dramas throughout his career. He is perhaps best recognised for his portrayal of Duncan Hunter in the acclaimed BBC crime drama Shetland, and Max in the dark comedy-thriller Guilt. Audiences will further recall him for his performances as DCC Mike Dryden in Line Of Duty, Colin Osborne in Unforgotten, and Stephen Burns in Dept Q. He previously appeared as Bruno Jenkins in Casualty from 2005 to 2006, Ray More in The Bill and Chris in Catastrophe.
Additional New Cast Members
Ben Ashenden plays DC Ethan Cole. Ben is a British-Irish performer, writer and producer most recognised for co-creating the successful West End production The Comeback. He forms one half of comedy partnership The Pin, alongside Alexander Owen. The pair co-wrote and performed in Deep Cover, which garnered widespread praise. His television appearances include Black Mirror and Bait, while he portrayed Adam in Hijack opposite Idris Elba.
Rumi Sutton plays DC Caitlin Sullivan. Audiences may know her from previous appearances in After the Flood, Mutiny and Daddy Issues.
The second series will additionally feature The Office star Stephen Merchant, who appears as guest performer playing "cocky snooker champion" Danny Sloan. His debut comes in episode four, where audiences will witness him "at odds" with Ludwig.
Series two of Ludwig will premiere on Thursday, August 20 at 9pm on BBC One. The first three episodes will drop on iPlayer at the same time.
