RIDLEY: FIRST LOOK AT SECOND SERIES OF ITV DETECTIVE DRAMA STARRING ADRIAN DUBAR

Ridley returns to solve more crimes in four two hour films written by Paul Matthew Thompson with Julia Gilbert (Midsomer Murders) and Michael Bhim (Vera) each writing an episode.

Inspired by real life retired detectives re-joining police forces in a consultancy role given increasingly over-stretched resources, Ridley explores thought provoking crime stories in an original and distinctive way.

The retired detective turned police consultant, played by Adrian Dubar, will resume his partnership with former protégée, DI Carol Farman, played by Bronagh Waugh (The Suspect, Unforgotten, The Fall), who is now in charge of investigations.

The new series will start with Ridley investigating a jewelry heist that turns into a murder case, working with an undercover source whose cover soon risks being compromised. Ridley checks out the manager of the jewelry company, thinking it could’ve been an inside job.

In the second episode, when a decomposed body is discovered deep in the woods, Ridley unearths a connection to a cold case. Ridley brings disgraced ex-copper Jean Dixon back to investigate. Jean’s personal life with new boyfriend Ross soon becomes compromised.

In episode three, a man is shot dead during an illegal rave on a building site. Ridley and the team investigate, bringing them into the murky world of the victim’s wealthy family who hold a closely guarded secret. Carol becomes worried about her son Jack.

In the final episode, in the serene village of Colden Vale, the tranquility is shattered when Tara Dunning, a beloved local wife and mother, mysteriously vanishes. Ridley and Carol investigate and must locate her before it's too late, but a chilling discovery soon alters the course of their inquiry.

ITV's Huw Kennair Jones: “We can't wait to welcome Adrian back to ITV as we return to the beautiful Lancashire countryside for four brand new cases for Ridley and the team to investigate. And we're looking forward to working with West Road Pictures and Paul Matthew Thompson on what promises to be another great series.”

Adrian Dunbar says: “There can be no greater endorsement of hard work and talent than the recommission of a series and to that end we have to thank ITV and the British public for taking to Ridley in such numbers. We shall certainly work just as hard to keep the standard we have set and I look forward to developing Ridley as a character over the next four episodes.”

The new series will air on ITV1 and ITVX.