Gone confirmed for series two as Keeley Hawes joins Eve Myles in acclaimed ITV crime drama

ITV has officially commissioned a second series of its critically acclaimed crime drama Gone, with Eve Myles set to return as Detective Sergeant Annie Cassidy and Keeley Hawes joining the cast in a major new role.

The six-part series will once again be created and written by acclaimed screenwriter George Kay, with filming scheduled to take place in Bristol in 2027.

Produced by New Pictures and George Kay’s Observatory Pictures, in association with Banijay Rights, the new series will see Annie Cassidy investigating an entirely different case, with Hawes playing a respected paediatric surgeon whose professional reputation hides a potentially disturbing secret.

The announcement follows the huge success of the first series, which attracted an impressive 31 million streams on ITVX, making it one of the platform’s biggest new drama launches.

The show also received widespread critical acclaim, with The Guardian describing it as ‘the most engrossing drama we will see this year’, while The Independent praised it as a ‘clever, nuanced drama’.

What is Gone series two about?

Eve Myles will reprise her role as the determined and tenacious DS Annie Cassidy, who finds herself investigating another emotionally complex case.

This time, her attention turns to Dr Ruth Manning, played by three-time BAFTA nominee Keeley Hawes.

Ruth is a pre-eminent and devoted paediatric surgeon working at Bristol’s Makeway Hospital. Highly regarded in her profession, she has dedicated her career to helping young patients.

However, Annie begins to uncover troubling questions about Ruth’s past, with the possibility that the surgeon may have concealed the dark truth about a series of historical crimes.

The central mystery will explore the difficult question of whether someone can justify wrongdoing in the name of the greater good, as Annie attempts to uncover what really happened.

As with the first series, viewers can expect a gripping investigation that delves into complicated family relationships, moral dilemmas and secrets that threaten to destroy lives.

Eve Myles excited to return as Annie Cassidy

Eve Myles, whose previous television credits include The Hack, The Crow Girl, Hijack and The Guest, has spoken about her excitement at returning to the role.

Commenting on the announcement, she said:

“I can’t wait to get back to Annie! A very special project and character. I’m really excited to explore a new story with a brilliant cast!”

The actress’s return will be welcome news for viewers who enjoyed her portrayal of the determined detective in the first series.

Keeley Hawes joins Gone as Dr Ruth Manning

One of the biggest developments for the second series is the arrival of Keeley Hawes, who takes on the role of Dr Ruth Manning.

The actress, known for performances in Falling, The Assassin, Miss Austen and Scoop, will play a highly respected paediatric surgeon whose work at Bristol’s Makeway Hospital initially appears beyond reproach.

However, as Annie investigates, Ruth’s past begins to come under increasing scrutiny.

Her character promises to be at the centre of another fascinating psychological mystery, with George Kay once again exploring the complexities of human behaviour and the blurred lines between right and wrong.

George Kay on creating the new series

Screenwriter George Kay, whose previous credits include War, The Long Shadow and Hijack, will return as creator and writer.

He is delighted to be revisiting the world of Annie Cassidy and has revealed that working with Keeley Hawes is something he has wanted to do for some time.

Commenting on the commission, George said:

“I’m thrilled to be back in the world of DS Annie Cassidy, played by Eve Myles, who brings such wit and depth to all her roles. This time she’ll be trying to find the truth about the character of Ruth Manning, a high-end paediatric surgeon played by the brilliant Keeley Hawes, who I’ve hoped to work with for so long and now finally get the chance.”

ITV boss promises another gripping story

Polly Hill, ITV’s Director of Drama, has also welcomed the return of the series, highlighting the phenomenal response to the first instalment.

She said:

“We had a phenomenal response to Gone, which was a testament to George Kay’s brilliant scripts, and we are delighted that George will bring the audience another series and a new case for Annie Cassidy. In series 2 Dr Ruth Manning is under the microscope, played by the wonderful Keeley Hawes. Once again George’s brilliant storytelling takes you into the heart of a family unravelling as Annie investigates a new case in another emotionally truthful and surprising story. Produced by Willow Grylls and New Pictures and Observatory Pictures, we are so proud of this drama and delighted to give the audience more.”

The second series will be executive produced by Golden Globe-nominated and BAFTA Award winner Willow Grylls, alongside BAFTA Award nominee Matt Sandford and George Kay.

Polly Hill will oversee the production on behalf of ITV.

When will Gone series two be released?

Although fans will have to wait a little longer for the new episodes, production is scheduled to begin in Bristol in 2027.

The drama is co-produced by New Pictures, a Banijay UK company, and George Kay’s Observatory Pictures.

Gone is partly inspired by the book To Hunt a Killer and the real-life work of former Detective Superintendent Julie Mackay and ITV Crime Correspondent Robert Murphy, both of whom serve as consultants on the production.

The second series will premiere on ITV and STV, with episodes also available to stream on ITVX and STV Player.

With Eve Myles returning, Keeley Hawes joining the cast and George Kay once again at the helm, Gone series two is already shaping up to be one of ITV’s most anticipated crime dramas.

And with 31 million streams behind the first series, there will be plenty of viewers looking forward to discovering what Annie Cassidy uncovers next.

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