DUTY calls

ADRIAN DUNBAR on the return of his singing sleuth

- ELAINE PENN

Adrian Dunbar is delighted to don a battered brown leather jacket again as he reprises his leading role in ITV1's Ridley for a second outing of the acclaimed mystery drama.

The first series aired in 2022, introducing us to his charismatic yet troubled character, former detective inspector Alex Ridley, who retired from the force after the tragic deaths of his wife and daughter in an arson attack but was drawn back into fighting crime by his loyal protégée, DI Carol Farman (Bronagh Waugh).

Now, the jazz-loving police consultant's expertise is needed to unravel another four perplexing cases in the north of England, starting this week with a jewellery heist that turns into a murder investigation.

Helping Alex and Carol again are ambitious DCI Paul Goodwin (Terence Maynard), dependable DC Darren Lakhan (George Bukhari) and erudite pathologist Dr Wendy Newstone (Georgie Glen). Meanwhile, actor John Michie, recently seen in Karen Pirie, joins the cast as debonair jewellery trader Harry Bentham, who ruffles Alex's feathers.

TV Times brought Adrian, 67, who also plays Line of Duty's no-nonsense Superintendent Ted Hastings, in for questioning to find out more...

Did putting on Alex Ridley’s signature jacket help you get back into character?