Ellis season 2 start date finally confirmed as exclusive first look shows off Sharon D Clarke drama's big return

DCI Ellis is taking on two more cases in four brand new episodes.

Sharon D Clarke as DCI Ellis in Ellis, wearing a coat and stood outside, looking at the camera.

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Published: Thursday, 26 February 2026 at 12:46 pm

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After 5 detective drama Ellis became a firm favourite with viewers back in 2024, the series is finally returning to screens for its second season - and we now know exactly when.

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The first episode of the new season will air on 5 at 9pm on Tuesday 10 March, while the second instalment will follow just one day after on Wednesday 11 March.

This news arrives as Radio Times has got an exclusive first look at the series, with a trailer showing off some of the cases Sharon D Clarke's DCI Ellis will be taking on this time around.

You can watch the trailer right here now.

Watch trailer

The new season will be made up of four episodes, with every two episodes tackling one case. Returning alongside Clarke in the main cast will be Andrew Gower as DS Chet Harper and Charlotte McCurry as DC Kate Trent.

Meanwhile, other actors set to appear this time around include James Doran, Niamh Blackshaw, Cariad Lloyd, Keir Charles, Mark Addy, Stephen Tompkinson and Sonny Ashbourne Serkis, amongst others.

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The synopsis for season 2 says: "Fresh from her victories in series one, DCI Ellis is once again parachuted into failing cases across the north of England. With Harper at her side, she faces a new wave of fractured communities and suspicious deaths that test not only her forensic brilliance but her resilience.

"The series takes them from a rural village, where the suspicious death of a beloved community leader exposes long-nursed resentments, to the industrial shadow of a stone works, where the death of a young woman reveals a hidden network of coercion and exploitation. Every case peels back layers of silence, ambition, and betrayal."

You can also check out a selection of images from across the new season's four episodes right here now.

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Andrew Gower as DS Harper, Charlotte McCurry as DC Trent and Sharon D Clarke as DCI Ellis in Ellis. Trent is sat at a desk looking at a computer, while the others are stood either side of her.

Sharon D Clarke as DCI Ellis and Andrew Gower as DS Harper in Ellis season 2.

Andrew Gower as DS Harper and Sharon D Clarke as DCI Ellis in Ellis season 2, walking down a street together.

Sharon D Clarke as DCI Ellis, stood by a car, with armed police officers stood behind her.

Mark Addy as Eliot Quinn and Dorothea Myer-Bennett as Lucy Quinn in Ellis season 2, wearing country jackets and stood together in a crowd.

Stephen Tompkinson as DCI Chalmers in Ellis season 2, in an office, wearing a lanyard and speaking with DCI Ellis and DS Harper, who are stood in front of him.

Andrew Gower as DS Harper, Charlotte McCurry as DC Trent and Sharon D Clarke as DCI Ellis in Ellis. Trent is sat at a desk looking at a computer, while the others are stood either side of her.

Sharon D Clarke as DCI Ellis and Andrew Gower as DS Harper in Ellis season 2.

Andrew Gower as DS Harper and Sharon D Clarke as DCI Ellis in Ellis season 2, walking down a street together.

Sharon D Clarke as DCI Ellis, stood by a car, with armed police officers stood behind her.

Mark Addy as Eliot Quinn and Dorothea Myer-Bennett as Lucy Quinn in Ellis season 2, wearing country jackets and stood together in a crowd.

Stephen Tompkinson as DCI Chalmers in Ellis season 2, in an office, wearing a lanyard and speaking with DCI Ellis and DS Harper, who are stood in front of him.

Andrew Gower as DS Harper, Charlotte McCurry as DC Trent and Sharon D Clarke as DCI Ellis in Ellis. Trent is sat at a desk looking at a computer, while the others are stood either side of her.

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When the series was first renewed for season 2, Paul Testar, commissioning editor for scripted at 5, said: "Following the huge success of the first series of Ellis, we are thrilled for it to return with the brilliant Sharon D Clarke and Andrew Gower reprising their roles. We can’t wait to bring the detective duo back to the 5 audience next year."

Ellis season 2 will air on Tuesday 10 March and Wednesday 11 March at 9pm on 5.

Add Ellis to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of James Hibbs, smiling against a lime green background.

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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