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Ludwig’s Dipo Ola teases Stephen Merchant’s new character and an "uncharacteristic" turn in episode 4
"He was so funny, so great... so tall as well."
BBC/Big Talk
- James Hibbs
Published: Thursday, 27 August 2026 at 8:00 am
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In the three episodes of Ludwig season 2 which are already available so far, we have already seen a host of new stars join the series, including Mark Bonnar as Gareth Fisher and Sian Clifford as Joanne Kemper.
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Now, we can look forward to another, as Steven Merchant is set to appear in episode 4, playing "cocky snooker champion" Danny Sloane.
Speaking with Radio Times, Dipo Ola, who plays DI Russell Carter, said that this episode will be when "things kick into gear", teasing an "uncharacteristic" turn for the series once Merchant arrives.
Ola said: "I think things kick into gear from episode four in a way that, even though it's only been a season and a half, seems kind of uncharacteristic for the show, which I think is really really cool, because things really take up a head of steam.
"Obviously the second part of the season kicks off with Stephen Merchant's character being introduced into the world of Ludwig, which is a really, really fun thing. He was so funny, so great... so tall as well."
Stephen Merchant stars in Ludwig season 2. Big Talk Studios / BBC
Ola continued: "But yeah, I think episodes four, five, and six really pick up steam, and I think it'll lead up to a really, really satisfying conclusion of that arc for season 3, which will be something we get to do in a couple of weeks' time, we get to start."
Ola was speaking with Radio Times in mid August, giving us some sense of when production on the already announced season 3 might begin.
When the series was first renewed for season 3, ahead of season 2 starting to air, Mitchell said in a statement: "I am delighted that Ludwig will be returning to solve more of [creator] Mark Brotherhood’s brilliant mysteries. I can’t wait to get started and have renewed the subscription on my denouement-learning app."
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Meanwhile, Jon Petrie, outgoing BBC director of comedy commissioning, added: "Ludwig is exactly the kind of smart, distinctive, audience-pleasing show we love at BBC Comedy. Sharp writing, a compelling story, big laughs and, naturally, a generous helping of puzzles.
"The team at [producers] Big Talk have crafted something truly distinctive and much-loved, and we’re excited to see what mysteries Ludwig tackles next."
Ludwig season 2 continues on BBC One on Thursdays, with episodes 4-6 arriving on BBC iPlayer on 10 September.
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Authors
James HibbsDrama Writer
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
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