If you can’t get enough of Gary Oldman’s band of spy misfits in the latest series of Slow Horses, we bring you some excellent news. Apple TV is developing two more of Mick Herron’s books for series 2 of Down Cemetery Road, and they’ve just announced an exciting cast update.12 more stars will be joining punk-rock PI Emma Thompson for a whole new mystery.
For those who don’t know, the first series, which aired last year, is an adaptation of the Mick Herron novel Down Cemetery Road. The detective drama introduces us to straight-talking private investigator Zoë Boehm (Thompson) and her unlikely partner, art conservationist Sarah Trafford (played by Luther’s Ruth Wilson). After last series’ explosive missing person’s case, the formidable double act is back. And, with iconic names such as Martin Clunes joining the cast, it’s going to be an unmissable chapter.
Here’s everything you need to know about series 2 of Down Cemetery Road, including the cast, plot and how to watch it.
What is Down Cemetery Road about?
The first series of the mystery thriller centres around unlikely detective duo art conservator Sarah Trafford (Ruth Wilson) and private investigator Zoë Boehm (Emma Thompson). The drama kicks off with a house explosion in Oxford in which a young girl vanishes. The dream team are tasked with investigating the case, but are later dragged into a complex conspiracy involving a corrupt government cover-up.
What will series 2 of Down Cemetery Road be about?
The second series will be adapted from two of Herron’s Zoë Boehm novels: The Last Voice You Hear and Smoke And Whispers. When a woman falls in front of a train, the pair think they have a straightforward case on their hands. But their initial assumptions are wrong when they’re dragged into the glamorous yet seedy world of art and antiquities. Soon, they’re on the trail of a serial killer who will stop at nothing to evade capture.
What does the cast update mean for series 2 of Down Cemetery Road?
It was already announced that Emma Thompson would be reprising her role as the sharp-tongued PI Zoë and that Ruth Wilson will be back as her unlikely partner, Sarah, whose background in the art world is bound to serve them well in their latest adventure.
Meanwhile, Apple TV has announced 12 new exciting additions. Martin Clunes, known for his iconic turn as Doc Martin, is leading the cast announcement, alongside Dunkirk star Fionn Whitehead and Peep Show's Paterson Joseph. The new additions also include Aasiya Shah, Dimitri Leonidas, Paul Chahidi, Liz White, Amanda Abbington, Jeff Rawle, Ashley McGuire, Amber Grappy and Yali Topol Margalith.
But it’s yet to be revealed what roles the new stars will play, meaning Clunes could be joining Zoë and Sarah’s investigation or could find himself on the other side of the case. Given his previous role as DCI Colin Sutton in Manhunt, we’re hoping he’s polishing off his detective boots.
There’s another reason Slow Horses fans should be paying attention. As well as being a Herron adaptation, the series’ lead writer Morwenna Banks has also written for the hit spy drama. And the Slough House similarities don’t stop there. Ashley McGuire, who you’ll know as the streetwise private investigator Suzie, is also on the bill.
Emma Thompson, who is also an executive producer, said: ‘Zoë Boehm is a punkishly delicious avatar and I can’t wait to pull on her knockoff Doc Martens again. Thanks to everyone who watched! We are go for the next one and it’s all down to you.’
Who’s in the cast of series 2 of Down Cemetery Road?
The new cast members of series 2 of Down Cemetery Road include:
- Martin Clunes (Doc Martin)
- Fionn Whitehead (Dunkirk)
- Paterson Joseph (Wonka)
- Aasiya Shah (Bait)
- Dimitri Leonidas (Foundation)
- Paul Chahidi (This Country)
- Liz White (The Long Shadow)
- Amanda Abbington (Sherlock)
- Jeff Rawle (Drop the Dead Donkey)
- Ashley McGuire (Slow Horses)
- Amber Grappy (One Day)
- Yali Topol Margalith (Alice And Steve)
The returning cast of series 2 of Down Cemetery Road includes:
- Emma Thompson (Sense And Sensibility) as Zoë Boehm
- Ruth Wilson (Luther) as Sarah Trafford
- Joshua James (Industry) as Wayne
- Sara Kestelman (Midsomer Murders) as Janice Silverman
- Tom Riley (The Nevers) as Mark Trafford
Is there a trailer for Down Cemetery Road series 2?
While Apple TV hasn’t yet released a trailer for Down Cemetery Road series 2, you can get a flavour of the action with the trailer for the first series below.
How can I watch Down Cemetery Road?
While Apple TV hasn’t yet shared a release date for Down Cemetery Road series 2, we do know it will return. As soon as we have a confirmed date, we’ll share it here. In the meantime, you can catch up on series 1 on Apple TV now.