Innocent series 2 cast: who stars in the ITV drama with Shaun Dooley and Katherine Kelly - and when it’s on TV

ITV crime drama Innocent is back for another season, with a whole new storyline and cast of characters.

In May 2019, it was officially announced by creator Chris Lang that a new season was on its way, Tweeting: “Delighted to tell you that #Innocent is returning. New characters, new story, should shoot early next year. And now if you’ll excuse me, @mjarlidge and I need to get writing! #Innocent2.”

This is everything you need to know.

What is season two about?

Season two takes on a completely new story and cast of characters, entirely separate from the first season.

While the new season is a new story, it follows a similar theme to that of the first season - a character who has maintained their innocence of a crime is suddenly released from prison, and must navigate their new life in the outside world.

Enter Sally Wright, a teacher who was imprisoned following the stabbing of student Matty Taylor whom she was alleged to have had an affair with.

The four part series opens with Sally being released from prison after serving five years as new evidence comes to light that sees her labelled as not guilty.

Determined to reclaim her life, Sally sets out to help the police figure out what really happened to Matty.

Who is in the Innocent season two cast?

Since the second season features an entirely new story told by a different set of characters, you can expect to see new faces in the cast.

This is everything you need to know about the new characters coming in season two.

Katherine Kelly as Sally Wright

Sally Wright is an English teacher who was falsely put in prison five years ago for the murder of schoolboy Matty Taylor, whom she was alledged to have had a sexual relationship with.

Released at the beginning of the series, new evidence is discovered that clears her of the murder. Now, Sally’s main focus is on reclaiming her life that was taken from her, including her reputation, job and marriage with Sam, who divorced her two years into her prison sentence.

You might recognise Katherine Kelly from one of her most recent roles as Natalie Hobbs in the British procedural drama Criminal: UK.

Kelly has also starred in a number of other TV shows, including as DI Karen Renton in Liar, Leah in Cheat, Elizabeth Sutherland in Gentleman Jack and Jane Lowry in Strike Back.

Jamie Bamber as Sam Wright

Sam Wright is Sally’s ex-husband, who is now engaged to another woman and preparing to become a step-father to her teenage daughter. When news of Sally’s innocence emerges, Sam struggles with feelings of guilt and remorse for his ex-wife.

Jamie Bamber is best known for his role as Captain Lee ‘Apollo’ Adama in the TV series Battlestar Galactica. He also starred as DCI Tim Williamson in Marcella, Matthew Wild in Fearless and NSA Attorney Jake Malloy in NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

Priyanga Burford as Karen

Karen is the new woman that Sally’s ex-husband Sam is now engaged to. Prior to Sally being sent to prison, Karen had harboured feelings for Sam. With Sally now free, Karen feels threatened, and is concerned that Sam could leave her to return to his ex-wife.

Priyanga Burford has appeared in a number of roles, including as Sara Dhadwal in Industry, Lori Hernandez in Avenue 5, Amina Chaudry in Press and Nereesha in I Want My Wife Back.

Shaun Dooley as DCI Mike Braithwaite

DCI Mike Braithwaite is the police detective who takes over the unsolved murder of schoolboy Matty Taylor, for which Sally was imprisoned for. With Sally’s innocence proven five years after the fact, DCI Braithwaite is determined to discover the true identity of Matty’s killer.

Most recently, Shaun Dooley appeared as Clive Tozer in the award-nominated Channel Four production It’s a Sin.

Additionally, Dooley starred as Doug Tripp in The Stranger, Jeremiah Rawson in Gentleman Jack, Reverend Michaelmas Whitaker in Jamestown and Steve Richards in DCI Banks.

Laura Rollins (Doctors, Silent Witness), Michael Stevenson (Casualty, Holby City) and Janine Wood (Silent Witness, The Bill) also all join the series as detectives.

Andrew Tiernan as John Taylor

John Taylor is the father of victim Matty, who is still grieving the loss of his son. John still blames Sally for what happened to Matty.

Lucy Black (Gentleman Jack, The Durrells) stars as John’s wife and Matty’s mother Maria Taylor.

You might recognise Andrew Tiernan as Nigel Stafford in Marcella, Roger Lane in Safe House, DCI John McLeod in Silent Witness, or DS David Hunter in Prisoners Wives.

Ellie Rawnsley as Anna Stamp

Anna Stamp is a former friend of Matty Taylor, who alleges that she witnessed him and Sally kissing shortly before his death. Anna’s statement was paramount in securing Sally’s conviction five years ago.

Ellie Rawnsley is largely a newcomer to the screen, but has had recurring roles in Summer of Rockets and Sommaren 85.

Also included in the lineup for the cast of season two is:

- Amy-Leigh Hickman (Our Girl, Ackley Bridge) as Bethany

- Nadia Albina (The One, Marcella) as Jenny

- Krissi Bohn (The A Word, Counterpart) as Emily

- Poppy Miller (The Syndicate, Mapp & Lucia) as Superintendent Denham

- Scott Chambers (Holby City, Blood Money) as Mark

- Rosalyn Wright (Hetty Feather, Rare Beasts) as Debbie Oram

- Michael Yare (Line of Duty, Fair City) as Alf

When is season two on TV – and where to catch up on season one?

The first episode of season two aired on Monday 17 May at 9pm on ITV.

Instead of airing episodes weekly, the second episode of Innocent will air on Tuesday 18, the third on Wednesday 19 and the fourth on Thursday 20 May, all at 9pm on ITV.

If you missed season one of the ITV drama, then you can catch up on all four episodes on the ITV Hub.

You’ll also be able to watch the latest episodes of season two if you’re unable to catch them as they air live on TV.