“A crime drama like no other”: Downton Abbey and Poldark stars unite for Code Of Silence’s “epic” series 2

Sometimes, a drama comes along that is so unique it dominates the cultural conversation, and this was certainly the case for ITV’s Code Of Silence, which first graced our screens in May 2025. The drama received huge praise for its emotional impact and representation of the Deaf community, putting Rose Ayling-Ellis at its centre. Now, the crime drama like no other is returning for an epic series 2 – with stars from Downton Abbey and Poldark.

For those who don’t know, the first series follows Alison Brooks (Rose), a Deaf catering worker who’s recruited by the police to use her lip-reading skills during a dangerous heist investigation. Her skills prove invaluable in decoding the gang’s conversations, but series 2 will see Alison face her riskiest challenge yet: her first murder investigation.

With filming underway for the new series, here’s everything you need to know about Code Of Silence, including the plot, cast and how to watch it.

What is Code Of Silence about?

ITV’s hit series Code Of Silence follows Alison Brooks (Rose Ayling-Ellis), a Deaf catering worker at a police canteen whose lip-reading skills catch the attention of DS Ashleigh Francis (Charlotte Ritchie) and DI James Marsh (Andrew Buchan). They recruit her to help with an undercover operation into a criminal gang plotting a sizable robbery.

As for Alison’s part, plainclothes officers track and secretly film the gang while she must decode their conversations. But the operation becomes personal when Alison develops feelings for one of the main suspects, Liam Barlow (Kieron Moore), and the situation threatens to jeopardise her personal safety and the investigation itself.

What will Code Of Silence series 2 be about?

Series 2 picks up two years later, with Alison having completed her forensic lip-reading training, she’s officially on the force. She’s called upon to assist with another large-scale operation involving Ruby Dowling (Emily Head), a woman caught up in a money laundering conspiracy, but the case soon develops into Alison’s first ever murder investigation.

Ruby is arrested after illicit cash is found in her car, but after she’s released, she’s brutally attacked. Alison again must decode vital CCTV footage, but her personal life again seeps into the investigation, which threatens to make her the next target.

What does the cast update mean for Code Of Silence series 2?

Some brilliant new faces are joining Alison and her team, notably Emily Head as Ruby Dowling, known for her role in The Inbetweeners, as the central character in the latest mystery that sparks Alison’s first murder investigation. The police squad is expanding, too, with Jonah Hauer-King playing DS Daniel Henshaw and Sasha Desouza-Willock taking on the role of DC Lizzie Silver. Meanwhile, Little Disaster’s Jo Joyner, Downton Abbey’s Sophie McShera and Poldark and The Crown’s John Hollingworth are all joining the team. As for the returning stars, Black Doves’ Andrew Buchan is reprising his role as DI James Marsh and the hilarious John Bishop is back as Ray Brooks, Alison’s dad.

Rose Ayling-Ellis shares what her return means: ‘I am so happy to be back on set with the brilliant cast and crew that made working on the first series such a delight and I’m looking forward to welcoming new members of the team too,’ she tells ITV.

Writer Catherine Moulton also speaks about what lies ahead: ‘I’m thrilled to be bringing Alison back for a second series. Now she’s officially part of the police team, she’s keen to make her mark. Faced with her first murder investigation, she struggles to balance her determination to uncover the killer with the limits of her new police role,’ she tells ITV. But blurred boundaries lead to divided loyalties, and her detective’s instincts, combined with her unique skill as a lip reader and close attention to detail, tell her there’s so much more to this case than meets the eye.’

Who’s in the cast of Code Of Silence series 2?

The returning cast of Code Of Silence series 2 incudes:

• Rose Ayling-Ellis (Reunion, Ludwig) as Alison Brooks
• Andrew Buchan (Black Doves, Passenger) as DI James Marsh
• John Bishop (Doctor Who, Accused) as Ray Woods
• Nathan Armarkwei Laryea (The Witcher, Doctor Who) as DC Ben Lawford
• Fifi Garfield (Coffee Morning Club, Deaf Funny) as Julie Woods

The new cast members for Code Of Silence series 2 includes:

• Jonah Hauer-King (A House Of Dynamite, The Tattooist Of Auschwitz)
• Jo Joyner (Little Disasters, Ackley Bridge)
• Sophie McShera (Downton Abbey, The Gallows Pole)
• John Hollingworth (Poldark, The Crown)
• Sasha Desouza-Willock (Vengeance: Murder On The Heath, London Kills)
• Emily Head (Whitstable Pearl, The Inbetweeners)

Is Code Of Silence any good?

In one word, yes! Code Of Silence has been groundbreaking for the Deaf community. Rose Ayling-Ellis is a hugely mesmerising lead, and its success has been recognised, with the show picking up the 2026 BAFTA for best drama series. The lip-reading element also provides the detective genre with a completely fresh and original twist, making it a truly addictive watch!

Is there a trailer for Code Of Silence?

As we wait for the arrival of Code Of Silence series 2, you can get a flavour of the action from the series 1 trailer below.

View full post on YouTube

How can I watch Code Of Silence series 2?

With filming currently underway, you can catch up with the first series of Code Of Silence now on ITVX.

What other crime dramas can I watch now?

For another drama with an unconventionally brilliant female lead, we’d recommend Blanca, where we follow Blanca Ferrando (Maria Chiara Giannetta), a blind intern at the fictional San Teodoro police station in Genoa. She quickly becomes indispensable to the force as her exceptional auditory skills help them crack a string of exciting cases. Blanca is available to watch now on Channel 4. If you’re in the mood for another brilliant crime drama, we’d suggest Jack Taylor where we meet the eponymous lead – a self-destructive, heavy-drinking former garda who becomes a private investigator – taking on the cases that others daren’t touch. Jack Taylor is available to watch now on ITVX.